Klassical Dream will remain over the smaller obstacles next season after he brought his A-game to the Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle.
Willie Mullins' charge helped the trainer to seven Grade 1 wins from just eight races at the Punchestown Festival. Blue Lord added his name to that roll of honour in the Barberstown Castle Novice Chase, but hot favourite St James's Gate could not make it a perfect end to the day in the closing bumper.
Klassical Dream landed back-to-back victories in his top level contest with a smooth display. Having returned from a lengthy lay-off to win last year, he looked like being the dominant force in the division when beating Flooring Porter at Leopardstown over Christmas.
However, since then things had not gone to plan for the eight-year-old as he was beaten in the Galmoy Hurdle and faded into fifth in the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham.
With Flooring Porter not running, Sire Du Berlais – who defeated Gavin Cromwell’s dual Stayers’ Hurdle hero at Aintree – was his main market rival in the feature and the two were always keeping an eye on each other.
The pace, though steady, was set by Gentlemansgame and Vanillier, and Sire Du Berlais went between that pair just as they turned into the straight. By now Paisley Park had become detached, only to run on again late as Paul Townend always looked confident on Klassical Dream.
The 11-10 favourite hit the front going great guns but then Robbie Power, who had just announced his intention to retire, came with a rattling late challenge on Ashdale Bob. There was to be no fairytale ending on this occasion however, as Klassical Dream held on by a length and a quarter.
“Paul got him lovely and settled and relaxed at the start. Having so few runners in the race was a big help as he was able to settle him on the outside and keep him relaxed,” said Mullins. “The horse races so much better when he does that. He gets a bit upset but he was very relaxed today in the parade ring, at the start and during the race. He’s maturing as he gets older.
“I’d imagine we’ll go the same route next year. I don’t think we’re going to go over fences, I think it’s easier to keep him sounder that way.”
Ballyboker Bridge (14-1) was the popular winner of the La Touche Cup, adding to his success in the 2019 race. The 15-year-old received a huge reception walking back in under Tiernan Power Roche.
