Well-backed Total Recall makes lasting first impression for Mullins

The heavily backed favourite Total Recall, making his first start for Willie Mullins, turned a competitive-looking staying handicap chase into a procession as he bolted up under Ruby Walsh.

Formerly with the now-retired Sandra Hughes, Total Recall had won one of his six chase starts previously but produced a coming-of-age performance to take care of topweight Alpha Des Obeaux on the bridle as the first two pulled well clear of the rest.

Held up in the early stages, the eight-year-old, sent off at 2-1 having been 9-2 earlier in the day, narrowly avoided the mishaps around him in a race littered with fallers and was put into the contest leaving the back straight.

Always going better

At this point former high-class hurdler Alpha Des Obeaux had eased his way into the lead for Davy Russell but Walsh track the move and the pair stretched clear.

For all that Alpha Des Obeaux had travelled well approaching the second last, Total Recall was always going better and he began to assert his dominance in between the last two fences to run out a comprehensive winner.

Total Recall has set the handicapper a puzzle with the manner of his victory, and Walsh said: "He travelled and jumped well and the runner-up has run a blinder as we only had 10st 5lb to carry, which is a big advantage in these types of races.

"He's a nice horse to get and was obviously well taught as a novice last year."

Munster National result

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