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Gala Marceau powered clear to record an impressive seven length triumph in the Grade 1 Prix Alain du Breil Hurdle on Sunday afternoon, giving the Irish a deserved win at Auteuil.
Gala Marceau powered clear to record an impressive seven length triumph in the Grade 1 Prix Alain du Breil Hurdle on Sunday afternoon, giving the Irish a deserved win at Auteuil.
Irish trainers gave plenty of support to the Auteuil festival but they had to wait for the Grade 1 Prix Alain du Breil Hurdle on Sunday afternoon when Gala Marceau won for Willie Mullins and jockey Danny Mullins.
This was Willie Mullins' third win in the four-year-old event following success with Diakali in 2013 and Footpad in 2016.
Despite the betting suggesting he was the more likely winner out of the pair, stablemate Zarak The Brave could only manage third in the ten runner Grade 1 prize under Paul Townend.
Speaking to Sky Sports Racing reporter Katherine Ford on course, Willie Mullins said: "A winner at last!
"We were getting worried but we had no excuses for any of the others, they just weren't good enough on the day.
"This mare was a revelation. She has been improving all season. I said to Danny just get her settled and get her coming home. Once he got her settled he just kept counting down the furlongs and when she took over the race was over.
"It's a big improvement for her and a notable scalp too because there was a lot of confidence behind the favourite so we're very pleased. Zarak The Brave didn't jump well enough in the first mile, he didn't have the experience.
"We'll be back and it's nice to have one on the board."
Danny Mullins said: "I'm lucky enough to be a small part of a very big team and to get another Grade One winner on the board is fantastic, this is the last really big weekend of the jumps season.
"The mare has been very good to me this season, she ran very well at Cheltenham and she showed how tough she was today.
"She jumped fantastic down the back which enabled me to save a bit for the home turn and she hit the line very strong, she wasn't stopping.
"She has won a Grade One in Ireland, ran with a lot of credit at the big festivals and to come here and win, we're delighted. Next season could be bright for her as well.
"It's fantastic to win here. For me it's all about winning the Grade Ones and to do that in Ireland, England, America and now here – I might try a few places further afield now, it's all about enjoying it."