Salvator Mundi continued a particularly fruitful Aintree assembly for Willie Mullins with an easy success within the TrustATrader High Novices’ Hurdle.
Fifth within the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham final month, the Joe and Marie Donnelly-owned bay settled properly for Paul Townend in mid-division all through the nine-runner Grade One.
Cheltenham third Romeo Coolio loomed on the turned for dwelling, however he was not in a position to preserve tempo with Salvator Mundi and he had no hassle in shaking him off to win with any quantity in hand.
Mullins stated: “I’d been disappointed it had taken this lad so long to win a Grade One but we changed tactics today, we decided to let him get at it and I think it worked.
“They went an actual good tempo, Paul settled him, he jumped properly, somewhat to his proper within the straight however Paul felt he was simply correcting himself and that is a very good signal, to consider doing that at a very good velocity.
“He ran within the Triumph for us final 12 months however that was simply apply for this 12 months. He thinks he is sooner than he’s I believe. A bit extra racing will settle him down, I hope.
“I am unsure if we’ll go over fences subsequent 12 months, they could truly make him a neater experience.
“He is a horse I have always thought a lot about and when we bought him he was second to Sir Gino in Auteuil.
“Because it seems I rang Joe and Marie Donnelly about Salvator Mundi and Nicky Henderson was on the opposite line ringing about Sir Gino. Joe and Marie ended up with the primary and second and there is a little bit of competitors to see who’s finest. In the meanwhile Sir Gino is profitable however we’ll catch up, I believe.”
Paddy Power make the winner a 16/1 chance for next year’s Arkle and 25/1 for the Champion Hurdle.
Gordon Elliott said of Romeo Coolio: “He ran an important race once more on floor that’s in all probability as fast as he desires it.
“He ran a great race, the winner was very good and our lad is a horse to go chasing next season. The way he jumps, he’ll be great.
“We’ll get him dwelling and see how he’s, however I think about he will not do way more this 12 months.”
