Eight up for Dobbin and Quazar
Tony Dobbin’s special relationship with Quazar scaled new heights with their eighth and most valuable success in the Emo Oil Champion Hurdle at Punchestown.
Twelve months ago, the combination lifted the Champion Four Year Old Hurdle at the Irish course and returned in triumph to complete back-to-back Grade One victories.
Produced with a well-timed challenge by Tony Dobbin, the 7-2 shot proved a length too good for the 8-11 favourite Back In Front who was attempting to follow up Tuesday’s Grade One victory in novice company.
“I was always going to win after he jumped the last so well. This horse seems to like Punchestown because he won the big four-year-old hurdle for us here as well last year,” said Dobbin.
The son of Inzar also holds a special place in trainer Jonjo O’Neill’s affections.
“This is a sound and lucky horse for all of us. Quazar is as tough as old boots but he just does enough when he hits the front,” said the Jackdaws Castle trainer.
Quazar closed right up behind the front-running In The Forge and the favourite heading into the home straight and although Back In Front took it up well before the final flight Dobbin was quickly in full flight on the outer.
Edward O’Grady thought that two races in quick succession brought about Back In Front’s downfall.
“The race the other day probably took the edge off Back In Front,” said the Tipperary trainer.
Despite failing to extend his winning sequence, Back In Front is unchanged as 6-1 second favourite with Cashmans of Cork for next year’s Smurfit Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham behind this year’s victor Rooster Booster who is 9-2.
Cashmans also gave a 20-1 quote for the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham next March for Nobody Told Me, impressive winner of the Menolly Homes Champion Novice Hurdle for the Willie Mullins stable.
Disqualified after winning on the Flat in France, Nobody Told Me has improved out of all recognition since switching to jumping for the three-man Amber Syndicate.
Ruby Walsh was exuding confidence early in the home straight as Nobody Told Me jumped to the front two out and soon established a commanding advantage to beat 12-1 change Jack High by five lengths.
“On this evidence we can go where we want next season with Nobody Told Me. She will be going for staying races and this is her second win over two and a half miles though we will probably try to exploit the fact that she is still a maiden on the Flat,” said trainer Willie Mullins.
