Mullins-trained Castlebawn West posts 'huge performance' in Paddy Power Chase

It is not often a race as competitive as the Paddy Power Chase is dominated by one horse from start to finish, even less so when that horse has to lug around top weight, but Castlebawn West was well up to the task.

The seven-year-old rounded off a memorable afternoon for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend, who teamed up to take the two Grade 1s on the card with Chacun Pour Soi and Appreciate It.

Castlebawn West put in a performance worthy of a potential Grade 1 horse in the €150,000 handicap, but his trainer confirmed a tilt at the Irish Grand National or the Aintree equivalent would be next.

Mullins said: “That was a huge performance. He was so slick jumping in front and Paul said the better he jumped the more confidence he got.”

Castlebawn West became Mullins’ second Paddy Power winner, the only other win in the race achieved in 2013 with Rockyaboya.

“He’d been working very well at home, but it’s hard to go into a big handicap like that with top weight thinking he could win,” Mullins added

“We’ll be looking at the Aintree National or the Irish National after that. He’s probably going to handicap himself out of the Thyestes now. He’s not a huge horse, but has great scope and a great technique.”

Castlebawn West’s victory brought up a treble on the day for Mullins, and it looked like the trainer was booked for a fourth win when Reality Cheque went clear with a furlong remaining in the 2m4f bumper.

However, the odds-on favourite slipped under jockey Patrick Mullins when booked for victory, sadly suffered a life-ending injury. The Gordon Elliott-trained Ballycairn picked up the pieces to score under Jamie Codd."

French Aseel in Triumph reckoning

At the start of the week trainer Ellmarie Holden had not saddled a winner this season, but how quickly things can change.

On Tuesday, Darwell Lion struck at Lingfield to give Holden her first British success, and now she could have a live Triumph Hurdle contender following French Aseel’s hugely impressive debut for the yard in the 2m maiden hurdle for three-year-olds.

Formerly trained on the Flat in France, French Aseel was purchased at the sales for €62,000 and generated immediate returns on that investment when leading all the way before running out a 22-length winner under a motionless Denis O’Regan.

French Aseel (right): had joined Willie MullinsCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Bookmakers were impressed and French Aseel is now a general 10-1 second-favourite for the Triumph.

Owner and trainer’s father Paul Holden said: “He’s a nice horse. We bought him at Arqana earlier in the year. He won over 1,600 metres [1m] in France and handles soft ground as well. We were just waiting to get him right for a juvenile hurdle because we knew he had ability. We’ll look for a Graded race now.”

Master makes it look easy

There was room for the small man to make an impact on the big stage when Paddy Corkery’s Master McShee landed the 2m handicap hurdle.

Having chased home Appreciate It in a maiden hurdle at Cork last month, Master McShee had since been successful at that track, and proved himself to be some way ahead of his mark when winning well under Ian Power.

Master McShee (Ian Power) wins the 2m handicap hurdle at Leopardstown for trainer Paddy CorkeryCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Corkery said: “It’s brilliant to be able to bring a horse here with a chance and to win is unreal. Ian has given him a peach of a ride each day he’s rode him. He has a lot of ability.

"I didn’t pay a fortune for him, but I’ll probably never have a horse like him again and I’m delighted to hold on to him so he’s definitely not for sale.

“He got a cut on his leg as a foal and has had a lot of problems, but we solved them.

“I wouldn’t rule out going to Cheltenham next year, but it’s not the be all and end all.

“If he’s still in one piece next year he’ll probably be better over fences, and we might go in that direction.”

Results, replays and analysis

Sunday's reports and reaction:

'It is getting beyond ridiculous' – Willie Mullins hits out over omitted fences

Nicky Henderson says 'don't write off Altior just yet' after Kempton defeat

Sunday reaction: 'It was obvious he was not travelling like the force of old'

Members' Club: 'An each-way player at 20-1' – expert views on a wide-open Champion Chase market

Man with a plan: Dan Skelton takes another big step forward with Nube Negra

Nico de Boinville praises 'incredibly quick' Shishkin after Wayward Lad victory

Appreciate It the new Supreme favourite after bolting up for Mullins and Townend

Kim Bailey delighted as 'extraordinary' First Flow makes it five in a row

Oliver Stammers delighted with 'fantastic' 2020 as best season continues

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