Paparrazi Kid too resolute for Felix Yonger

Willie Mullins filled the first three places in the Grade 2 Greenmount Park Novice Chase in Limerick yesterday as 2/5 favourite Felix Yonger was turned over by stable-companion The Paparrazi Kid, with Balnaslow in third place.

Emmet Mullins, who looked after Simenon on his globe-trotting exploits in the autumn, dictated the pace on course and distance winner The Paparrazi Kid. The six-year-old jumped well and, turning for home, was stalked by his two stablemates.

A good jump at the second last proved crucial as a confident-looking Paul Townend, on the hot favourite, quickly went to work between the last two fences. And, although Felix Yonger stuck to his task well on the run-in, he never looked likely to get to grips with Mullins’ mount, which prevailed by a length and a half. The winning rider explained: “I thought he’d run well and probably finish second to Felix Yonger. I wasn’t planning to make the running, but he winged the first and settled well in front. He was electric at every fence and, when I saw the other two lads looming up before the second last. I knew I had plenty in the tank. He’s a smart horse and he’s improving all the time.”