Vautour rules Supreme for dynamic duo
He won by six lengths and, in the process, set a new track record, an astonishing display by the latest potential superstar of the game.
Ruby Walsh took no prisoners, setting a scorching gallop from the start. It was obvious coming down the hill that it was going to take something special to get past.
Vautour is a superb jumper, but he did get right into the third last. It made no difference, however, and he picked up and was away again in a flash.
He rounded the home turn full of running, flew the final flight and bounded clear up the hill,
Willie Mullins has always seen the ex-French horse as a chaser down the road and, if he is going to be better at that game, then will be some machine.
Mullins expressed surprise at what he had just witnessed Said Mullins: “We knew he was a good horse, but I wasn't quite expecting that.
“He was a bit free over the first couple of hurdles, but then began to relax once Ruby let him gallop and use his stride.
“It was a fantastic performance, he has treated them like a bunch of maidens. I cannot get over the way he won, he seemed in control for most of the race.
“When the crowd roared turning for home he took off. That was an extraordinary performance, you could see the whole way to the post that he was just looking around and idling.
“I'm looking forward to seeing home over fences, he is every inch a novice chaser. We think he will stay and he should be going over fences next season.”
Walsh celebrated in style passing the post and the release of tension within him was clearly noticeable.
Said Walsh: “I had it my head to ride the horse as if he was a stayer and I wasn't going to come back in and kick myself for going too slow.
“It was a bit of a grab at the third last, but he jumped super. I have been doubting him all week, but Jesus he is a good horse.
“He was in my hands the whole way, he didn't settle, but didn't stop. When he went down to the second last I thought thank God he hasn't done too much and there's a bit left.
“He dug it out all of the way. He worked with Wicklow Brave and that horse looked so much quicker. You then start thinking maybe this fellow is not as good as we thought. He proved to me today that he is a hell of a horse.”
For Paddy Power the result could hardly have been worse. Their offer leading into the meeting was to return the money on the second, third and fourth horses and, with Vautour going off so well backed, then this was a racing disaster for the company. They claimed the generosity cost them €5.5m.
Of disappointing joint favourite Irving, who jumped moderately and never managed to get into a challenging position, trainer Paul Nicholls said: “He was too far behind coming by here (the stands) the first time for my liking. Ruby gave his horse a peach and he looks a very smart horse.
“I’m disappointed, but he’ll be back and there’ll be another day.”
