Mullins among the winners again

The rest of the news from Leopardstown, where there were more winners for Willie Mullins thanks to Battleford and Let’s Dance.

Battleford provided Willie Mullins with his 20th win in just four days as he claimed the Guinness Maiden Hurdle.

The champion trainer saddled six winners at Leopardstown and Limerick combined on Boxing Day and repeated the feat the following afternoon before enjoying a five-timer on Wednesday.

With Mullins having already landed the first two races at Limerick, high-class bumper performer Battleford was the 4/9 favourite to bounce back from a disappointing hurdling debut at Navan last month.

Ruby Walsh dictated matters at the head of affairs and while Coeur Joyeux was a persistent threat, the market leader saw him off by two lengths.

Walsh said: “He probably could improve a bit with his jumping. He didn’t jump as well as he has schooled at home – he jumped them like they were fences.

“He’s a tough horse who will like a trip and he’ll move up in grade I’d imagine now.”

The Mullins domination continued in the Willis Towers Watson European Breeders Fund Mares Hurdle as Let’s Dance proved much too good for her rivals.

The four-year-old was a smart performer in top juvenile company last season, but having failed to win a race until scoring at Sligo in May, she remains a novice for the current campaign.

She impressed on her comeback in a Listed event at Punchestown last month and with the multiples running up, she was the 3/10 favourite for this Grade Three test.

Slowmotion kept Let’s Dance honest for much of the two-and-a-half-mile journey, but was unable to go with her from the home turn and there was 17 lengths between them at the line.

Mullins said: “She did that well and jumped and galloped like we thought she would do. We’re pleased with her and she’s improving all the time.

“I didn’t really get a chance to talk to Ruby but from what I can gather it was pretty straightforward.

“The mares’ novice (at Cheltenham) is only two miles and she might go out further in trip. She may go for the (OLBG) Mares’ Hurdle even …

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