Willie Mullins began the Dublin Racing Festival in the best possible fashion when Final Demand displayed plenty of stamina in winning the Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown.
Won by stablemate Dancing City 12 months ago, who went on to finish third in the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham before claiming two further Grade One successes, the 11-8 favourite drew away from Wingmen after the final flight to win by a yawning 12 lengths.
Having tracked the pace on the inside rail for much of the contest, Paul Townend moved him out on the bend and, as one by one any other realistic challengers dropped away, it soon only concerned two.
Wingmen did his best to fend off Final Demand, but having helped force the pace, he had nothing else to give.
Mozzies Sister stayed on for third, with Cheltenham Champion Bumper winner Jasmin De Vaux back in fourth.
Ladbrokes make the winner a 3-1 shot for both the Turners and Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdles.
Mullins said: “That was a huge performance, Paul was in the perfect position the whole way and when he pulled him out, it was a question of what was left in the tank – it turns out there was plenty.
“He was probably going better at the winning post than he had the whole way.
“There was a good few disappointments there but for him to be able to do that is huge. It’s a nice start but we need a few more!
“Jumping the last today was the first time I realised he was a bit above average, but what he did from the last today sets him apart from a lot of other horses.”
He went on: “It’s great to come here and win a Grade One on just his second run over hurdles. He’s a specimen. He was probably one of the dearest stores of his generation, so often they don’t work out but to win a Grade One here is fantastic.
“I wouldn’t mind going back in trip and I’m wondering if this race should be over two and a half miles rather than two-six, but we’ve been very lucky in it, I shouldn’t be looking to change it.
“I was concerned when I saw Paul niggling turning for home but he said he was just waking him up.”
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