At Cheltenham, Impaire Et Passe (162) put in a stunning performance to lead a Willie Mullins-trained one-two-three in the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle. Despite being the favourite before the race, Paul Nicholls’ Hermes Allen (138) took over as favourite just before the race began. The winner, runner-up Gaelic Warrior (153), and Good Land (148) were marking each other in mid-division for the most part, while Hermes Allen took the lead. However, as the runners descended towards two out, it became clear that Impaire Et Passe, ridden by jockey Paul Townend, had plenty of horse underneath him. The five-year-old took the brave route up the inner and was soon in the clear, winning by six and a half lengths. Impaire Et Passe runs in the ‘double green’ colours of Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, who were on the mark on day one with El Fabiolo in the Arkle.

Mullins registered his sixth victory in the race and enhanced his fine record. Impaire Et Passe has won four races of his life, and there is room for improvement. Mullins is looking at him as a chaser, but he will consider the Champion Hurdles as well. Gaelic Warrior, who came second, and Champ Kiely (152), who came third, could make nice chasers down the line. Munir, the co-owner of Impaire Et Passe, was thrilled with the win, saying that he’s a blank canvas and that the sky’s the limit.