Petit Mouchoir lands Irish Champion

Petit Mouchoir’s fast gallop proved too much for his three rivals as the French horse claimed the BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown.

The Henry de Bromhead-trained winner went off at 9-10 favourite, after Faugheen was ruled out of the race on Saturday by Willie Mullins, and adds another win after success in the Ryanair Hurdle in December.

Mullins-trained Footpad made a late dash for the win, but Petit Mouchoir, and jockey David Mullins maintained his lead to cross the line a length clear.

This was De Bromhead’s second big-race win after Some Plan emerged victorious in the Arkle Novice Chase earlier.

Winning jockey Mullins, insisted the eventual winner had more in the tank, and admitted his delight in getting to ride for de Bromhead.

"It's been a great week (also won Thyestes Chase on Champagne West). It wasn't a great start to the day with Identity Thief, but thankfully he's gone and done the job," Mullins said.

"He has a serious amount of ability and has such a high cruising speed that you never feel like you are under pressure with him. He's a terrific horse.

"We went a right good gallop and he stuck at it and jumps so quickly, he's a bit of a monster of a horse really. Ruby kept us honest, I felt him getting to my girths at the second-last and to be fair to my lad he put his head down and really galloped the whole way up the straight.

"He's a bit of a monster, he just doesn't know when to stop. The speed we went today, I don't think I've ever gone as fast, anyway. He still wanted to go a stride quicker, he's got some engine and no real flaws.

"He just has an incredible amount of ability. I'm delighted to be riding him and getting the opportunities from Henry and Gigginstown."

A delighted De Bromhead says Petit Mouchoir's next outing will be in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.

"It's hard to do what he's done twice now, bounce out and just go flat to the mat the whole way. Footpad finished a bit closer than at Christmas, but it's still a really good performance and I'm delighted with him," De Bromhead said.

"He was taken on a bit earlier this time. Ruby didn't let him out of his sights, and they were racing a lot sooner which made it more open to a horse coming from behind.

"He reminds me of (Sizing) Europe in that he needs a strong gallop the whole way. He's not a fast horse at home, he's a galloping horse and they just need that good, strong gallop. He's brilliant in that he can go out and make it for himself but he doesn't have to make the running.

"It was a super ride from David, and I'm just delighted to have a horse like him.

"I'll have to speak with Michael and Eddie (O'Leary), but the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham will more than likely be his next race."

Image/GettyImages/AlanCrowhurst

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