Chanelle Pharma Novice Hurdle (Grade 1)

APPRECIATE It maintained his position at the head of the two-mile novice hurdling division with a second top-level success in as many starts and, while it wasn’t at all as easy for him as it was at Christmas, the Willie Mullins inmate ground out this latest success in likeable fashion.

Such was the manner of his Christmas win, that the Margaret Masterson-owned gelding dominated the betting for this race. Indeed Paul Townend’s mount was the overwhelming 1/3 favourite and it was 8/1 bar but Ballyadam, who turned in a lacklustre effort when fourth to him at Christmas, bounced back to form to give the market leader a good test.

Appreciate It looked to put his stamp on this race coming to the second last as he made a move to get the outright lead and shortly after that flight he had quickened into a useful advantage.

Found more

Just off the last bend, there was the prospect of a minor upset as Ballyadam loomed up but, as good horses tend to do, Appreciate It found more. He was back on top before the last and a clumsy jump there from Ballyadam settled the outcome. At the line, there was a gap of three and a quarter lengths separating the front pair with the winner’s stablemate, Blue Lord, posting a fine effort to lie a further two and three-quarter lengths away in third.

“When Paul set him alight I thought he put it to bed straight away. The minute he changed gear after the second last he was left with just one horse to beat and he’s shown that he has a big engine. I’d like him to jump a bit better than he did today and I think he does have a better jump in him,” commented Mullins whose charge remains a rock solid favourite for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

“I think Paul was little sorry he lit him up going to the second last. His jumping was bit sloppy down the back so Paul sent him on but turning for home he was worried he might have kicked too soon. He went on again when Gordon’s horse (Ballyadam) came to him though which you always like to see,” added the trainer.