Final Demand cut to 9-4 for Turners Novices' Hurdle after opening race demolition at the Dublin Racing Festival

Mullins 'specimen' Final Demand cut for Turners and Albert Bartlett after demolition in Grade 1 Nathaniel Lacy

Paul Townend punches the air after winning the opening Grade 1 on Final DemandCredit: Patrick McCann

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The step up from maiden to Grade 1 company proved a breeze for Final Demand when he impressively landed the Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors Novice Hurdle for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend.

An easy winner at Limerick over Christmas, Final Demand was positioned on the inner in a race run at a steady gallop, and a lack of daylight did not do much for his jumping, although it did not suffer in comparison with his rivals.

The most impressive part of this performance, however, was the manner in which he picked up past the front-running Wingmen and produced a fine jump at the last to score by 12 lengths, opening up a host of options at the Cheltenham Festival, with Paddy Power shortening him to 7-4 favourite for both the Turners Novices' Hurdle and the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle.

Mullins said: “When Paul started to niggle turning for home I was wondering what he might have in the tank. I never thought he would have that much and he was probably going better passing the post than at any other stage of the race.

“To do what he did there on only his second run over hurdles was a huge achievement. What he did from the last to the line sets him apart from other horses. He's a specimen and I believe he was one of the most expensive store purchases of his generation, which doesn't always work out, but it has with this fellow."

On future plans for Final Demand, the trainer said: "I would not mind going back in trip with him, and it makes me think about whether this race should be over two and a half miles instead of two miles and six furlongs. I know we've been very lucky in this race, though.

Final Demand: did his awesome win take people's eyes at the Dublin Racing Festival?

Final Demand ridden by Paul Townend jumping the last to win The Nathaniel Lacy And Partners Solicitors Novice HurdleCredit: Caroline Norris

"Paul's plan was to tuck him away in the box seat on the inner and see what he had late in the day. I think Paul was just waking him up turning for home, but when he gave him a little squeeze he just came alive.”

Gordon Elliott was very pleased with the performance of runner-up Wingmen despite being no match for the winner, and said: “It was a great run. I'm very happy with that and he will go to the Albert Bartlett now. Stepping up in trip will suit him.”

Turners Novices' Hurdle (March 12)

Paddy Power: 5-2 Final Demand, 11-4 The New Lion, 6 The Yellow Clay, 7 Kopek Des Bordes, Romeo Coolio, 8 Kawaboomga, Kaid D'Authie, James's Gate, 10 Potters Charm, 12 Sixmilebridge, 14 bar

Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (March 14)

Paddy Power: 7-4 Final Demand, 5 The Yellow Clay, 7 The Big Westerner, 10 Jet Blue, 16 Wingmen, Jax Junior, Belliano, 20 bar

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