Ladbrokes Dublin Chase (Grade 1)

PUNTERS and beaten rivals may have been kicking themselves on Sunday after perhaps underestimating Solness (6/1) again, as Joseph O’Brien’s charge made all under Danny Mullins to win the Grade 1 Ladbrokes Dublin Chase.

Solness was 28/1 when making all to win his first Grade 1 at the track’s Christmas Festival, but many attributed it to the significant lead he gained under J.J. Slevin, who has since been retained by Simon Munir and Isaac Souede. That saw Danny Mullins take over on the Bronsan Racing-owned bay, and there was a sense of déjà vu as the pair held a sizeable advantage on the back straight.

Their rivals appeared unperturbed by Solness’ lead, until Sean Flanagan urged Marine Nationale (9/2) to make headway from four out and eventually pressed Solness approaching the final flight. The longtime leader had more in the tank, though, and stayed on well on the run-in to score by two lengths.

The lacklustre 6/4 favourite Gaelic Warrior stayed on to take third, beaten a total of 14 lengths, with another 10 lengths back to Quilixios in fourth.

Mullins credited Joseph O’Brien after the win, saying: “It’s all down to Joseph. They went to the Tingle Creek, and what was learnt from that was executed brilliantly by J.J. the last day. All I had to do was back it up today.

“He’s a top horse and deserves his credit. My lad, to be fair, he was tough. Not many can maintain that at Leopardstown, and he did.”

Danny Mullins was completing a double on the day, having paired up with cousin Emmet to win the opening listed race run in memory of their grandparents, but experienced the other side of racing when Lossiemouth fell in the Irish Champion Hurdle.