Ballycasey stars as Wille Mullins claims Fairyhouse

Willie Mullins completed a clean-sweep in the three Grade Two events in Fairyhouse yesterday, scoring with Ballycasey, Bleu Berry and Al Boum Photo.

Ruby Walsh was on board both Ballycasey, all-the-way winner of the Normans Grove and Bleu Berry in the Rathbarry & Glenview Studs Novice Hurdle while, with the multiple champion on board disappointing favourite Invitation Only in the Easter Festival April 16th-18th Novice Hurdle, Paul Townend seized his opportunity on board Al Boum Photo.

“We tried to make a stayer out of him, but he seems much happier over shorter distances than three miles — he’s got his confidence back,” commented Mullins after Ballycasey (15/8) held the late flourish of 6/5 favourite Ball D’Arc in the Normans Grove Chase, a race Mullins has now won six times in eight years.