Narciso Has touch of class Leopardstown
Narciso Has ridden by Danny Mullins on their way to winning the Changing Times Brewery Juvenile Hurdle during day one of the Leopardstown Christmas Festival. Pic: Niall Carson/PA Wire.
Narciso Has looked a different proposition to what he had on his debut for Willie Mullins when bolting up in the Changing Times Brewery Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown.
A winner over hurdles in France, he was sent off favourite on his Irish debut in a Grade Three event at Fairyhouse but had to settle for second behind Gordon Elliott's smart recruit Mange Tout.
Always prominent, Narciso Has (11-10 favourite) gradually wound up the pace under Danny Mullins and turning into the straight began to build up a healthy lead.
He went further and further clear on jumping the last, winning by 11 lengths from Adrienne and assuming Triumph Hurdle favouritism.
"He ran brilliant in Fairyhouse for a horse with such inexperience," said David Casey, Mullins' assistant.
"We thought he'd improve from there and were kind of hoping he'd put up that performance today. I think there is plenty of improvement to come as well.
"He's a horse that stays well. We like him, he's a fair horse.
"We were confident he would keep going. Danny wanted to be positive and it worked out great."
