Mullins and Walsh look to have unearthed another star in big winner

Last updated: 16th December 2012   Subscribe to RSS Feed

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Pont Alexandre on his way to a Grade One victory

Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh took the feature Grade One Navan Novice Hurdle with Pont Alexandre (3/1).

The four-year-old was making his debut for the trainer having previously run in France, and Walsh ensured that he was going to make the race a test of stamina in the prevailing heavy going.

Well backed favourite Don Cossack sat in behind the leader throughout, but as the tempo increased from three out, he was unable to quicken.

He was comfortably held in second when capsizing after the last flight but thankfully he and jockey Davy Russell were unscathed.

It was left to Busty Brown (8/1) to fill the forecast spot.

Walsh said: "He was doing things nicely at home but you always have a little worry about them having their first run over these hurdles having not run for so long, it was always going to be a worry going in a Grade One.

"It was a good performance, in fairness to Willie he stuck his neck out to buy him and I'd say it was a good call.

"He'll be a lovely chaser. It was a brave call and they probably thought if Don Cossack beats him so be it."