There was a clear sweep for the Irish within the JCB Triumph Hurdle, with Vauban powering to victory at Cheltenham and main residence 4 of his compatriots within the Grade One which changed into a velocity check.
Paul Townend was at all times effectively positioned, looking the comparatively sedate tempo set by Porticello and Fil Dor earlier than being produced extensive off the ultimate bend.
The Willie Mullins-trained Vauban was nonetheless on the bridle as he eased a size clear approaching the final and whereas he made a hash of it, touchdown on all fours, he quickly regained his momentum.
Townend at all times had a lot up his sleeve and the 6-4 favorite drew readily clear up the stands rail to attain by two and a half lengths from Fil Dor, educated by Gordon Elliott, whose Pied Piper ran on an extra neck again third.
Townend mentioned: “We at all times mentioned he was a piece in progress and he is improved day-after-day and he can enhance once more.
“We hadn’t deliberate to be in entrance on the final, however that’s simply the way in which it turned out. He had a go searching and I knew there was masses there after I received to the again of it.
“He is a bit to be taught, however he is bettering with each run. He is received a really massive engine.
“He’ll have to leap a bit slicker for a Champion Hurdle, however that may be labored out at residence. He is undoubtedly going the correct approach.”
Proprietor Wealthy Ricci added: “I at all times mentioned Vauban was our greatest probability of the week and it is nice to do this. After they come and run like they work, it is a fantastic factor and to get a winner is simply spectacular.
“It does take the stress off as a result of on the finish of each season if you’re within the recreation in a major approach, you wish to have a Cheltenham winner so it is necessary to have one.”
