Willie Mullins bagged a four-timer at Fairyhouse and in the process threw punters a potential curve ball as he suggested On His Own could have improved enough to bypass the Grand National in favour of the Gold Cup at Punchestown.
The 10-year-old, a faller in the past two runnings of the Aintree showpiece, was sent off the 11-8 favourite after winning the Thyestes Chase and led most of the way in the Grade Two contest.
“After that we might have to rethink about Aintree,” Mullins said.
“I was quite keen after the Thyestes but now we might look at the Gold Cup at Punchestown.
“He’s just going out of handicaps and could win a really good race.”
On His Own is as short as 16-1 for the Grand National.
Mullins had started the day in fine heart when French import Abbyssial led all the way to win the Juvenile Hurdle.
“I’ll have to talk to the owner and see if he travels (to Cheltenham) or we keep him at home,” Mullins said.
“He’s one that will go back to France for a race there, but I was saying to the owner earlier that we might skip Cheltenham and go to France but that performance brings Cheltenham back into it.”
A swift double for Mullins came when Beluckyagain rewarded favourite backers in the Mares Maiden Hurdle.
