Un Atout pulls out all the stops to win Champion Hurdle
Un Atout was made to pull out all of the stops to justify odds-on favouritism in the Tattersalls Ireland Champion Novice Hurdle at Punchestown.
Unbeaten in his first three starts before finishing fourth in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, Willie Mullins’ five-year-old was a 4-6 chance to beat just two opponents, with stable companion Pont Alexandre and Mullaghanoe River both non-runners.
Davy Russell sent Un Atout into an early lead and looked set to win readily once straightened up for home.
However, Gary Moore’s Aintree scorer Ubak threw down a determined challenge and a good leap at the final obstacle brought him right alongside.
It was hard work on the run-in, but Un Atout dug deep to claim Grade One honours.
