Albert Bartlett: Ten-up for Mullins as Jasmin De Vaux strikes

Reality had not matched expectations for Jasmin De Vaux this season, but last year’s Champion Bumper winner came good at the perfect time in a career-best over hurdle to give trainer Willie Mullins a 10th triumph at this year’s Festival – matching his best-ever tally at a single meeting. 

Jumping concerns have dogged Jasmin De Vaux in his nascent hurdling career so far, but when he needed a good jump at the final flight the six-year-old came up and answered under rider Paul Townend to repel the persistent The Big Westerner, who the eye was drawn to for much of the race.

Indeed, jockey Darragh O’Keeffe had to take a pull coming down the hill for the final time aboard the Henry De Bromhead-trained runner despite his mare racing a little keenly early, but it was a mistake from Wingmen in front of her at the second-last which cost her vital momentum at the key stage of the race. 

The Big Westerner ultimately lost her unbeaten record but not her reputation as the 9/2F came home 2½ lengths behind the 6/1 winner, with Derryhassen Paddy (10/1) 4½ lengths further back in third as the two big Irish hopes fought out the finish. Yellow Car (33/1) took fourth and Wendigo (16/1) finished fifth.