Raptor goes one better over longer trip

Champion trainer Willie Mullins, currently in France pursuing potential stars of the future, dominated last night’s action in Punchestown, completing a treble with Raptor, Letherbelucky and Passage Vendome.

Beaten a nose on his last visit to Punchestown, the Ruby Walsh-ridden Raptor justified favouritism in the €10 Admission Chase, apparently having the measure of chief rival Slieveardagh when Barry Geraghty’s mount crashed at the final fence.

Patrick Mullins, representing his father, commented: “The extra two furlongs probably helped him tonight. He seemed to like that ground and will stay in all summer. He’ll go to all the Festivals, particularly Galway and Listowel, and will run over two and a half miles or less.”