Paul Townend hails 'hardy bit of stuff' as prolific Saint Sam powers to victory in Clonmel Oil procession

Willie Mullins and Paul Townend combined to land the Grade 2 Clonmel Oil Chase for the third time in succession as the prolific Saint Sam burned off his rivals on his way to a straightforward six-and-a-half-length victory.

The seven-year-old was last seen over fences at Listowel in June when finishing second to stablemate Easy Game, but had won both his hurdles starts since at Cork and Auteuil. 

Townend was intent on dominating from the outset on board the 6-4 favourite but was kept company by Danny Mullins on Solness and the pair soon drew ten lengths clear.

Solness began to feel the pinch approaching the penultimate fence but Saint Sam was still galloping on mercilessly and popped the two final fences to run out a commanding winner, with the Gordon Elliott-trained Fil Dor keeping on encouragingly for second ahead of Solness.

With 11 wins from 27 starts and earnings of more than €250,000 in prize-money, it is easy to see why Townend has such admiration for the versatile Edward Ware-owned performer.

Connections of Clonmel Oil Chase winner Saint SamCredit: Patrick McCann

Townend said: "He's a hardy bit of stuff and has his own way of doing it but he's been a great servant. You're a passenger on him and all you do is steer him. He's so hard on himself but there's still fire in his belly. He's a big, strong horse and if he makes a mistake, he just gallops away off the back of the fence."

It formed the second leg of a double for Mullins after Pink In The Park won the preceding Listed 2m5f mares' chase under Danny Mullins at odds of 11-2, with stablemate and 1-3 favourite Allegorie De Vassy underperforming on her seasonal return in fourth.

The winner was produced to lead at the last by Mullins before scooting four lengths clear of Must Be Obeyed to land her second win over fences.

The jockey said: "She took on the geldings the last day and while we were disappointed, she ran respectably. That sharpened her. I didn't think I'd be beating Allegorie De Vassy but you never know with mares and it's been a good, consistent summer with her. She's still going the right way."

Impressive return for Indian

Plains Indian made an impressive return to jumping when making all in stylish fashion to land the 3m handicap hurdle for the Andy Slattery stable under Cian Quirke.

The 9-1 shot travelled and jumped superbly and never saw another rival en route to an impressive two-and-a-half-length victory over Tranquil Sea on his first hurdles outing since being pulled up in the same race 12 months ago.

Plains Indian: winner of the 3m handicap hurdleCredit: Patrick McCann

Stable representative Willie Slattery said: "He was the class horse in the race being a Listed winner. I know he's been disappointing, but the ground was too soft for him all year. He could either go to Cheltenham later this month or to Leopardstown over Christmas."

Agile Stuntman

Stuntman Steve produced an agile leap at the last in the 2m maiden hurdle, which proved crucial as the 4-1 shot edged out long-time leader Romany Brown by a head under Keith Donoghue for Gavin Cromwell.

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