Reporter: Tony Keenan
Willie Mullins won this Grade 2 for the tenth time since 2013, the pace much stronger than the Listed chase for mares one race previous, the winner here completing the course 23.3 seconds faster than Spindleberry in the earlier race.
had been difficult to train in 2024/25, having only one run late last April, but it was career best to win the Celebration Chase and things have gone better this summer as he landed an easy win that sets him up for a return to Sandown in the Tingle Creek. He travelled typically strongly off the pace set by Senecia and took up the running two out, coasting clear despite not being fluent at the last.
was the rank outsider of the four runners but outran market expectations, not for the first time in races like this. He went clear of his rivals and jumped well, something that has not always been the case, and it looks as if small fields suit him best, his previous Grade 2 win coming against four rivals.
found this trip and track too sharp from early in the race and was outpaced before plugging on late. He got only one opportunity under his favoured conditions last season, i.e. staying chases in testing ground, when he ran subsequent Grand National winner Nick Rockett to three-quarters of a length, but his stable has been in a prolonged dip with two winners from 123 runners (with 18 places) so far in 2025.
made little impact after a 194-day break but tends to be more of a spring horse, is six career wins coming in February, March and April.
