Ryanair Chase report and replay: Allaho makes all for second successive win
By David Ord
16:27 · THU March 17, 2022
Allaho ran his rivals ragged for the second successive season in the Ryanair Chase.
Paul Townend took the 4/7 favourite to the front as the tapes went up and he stayed there, the only moment of concern coming at the last when he brushed through the obstacle.
In behind stablemate Janidil forged past Eldorado Allen, who had chased the winner throughout, to claim second but was some 14 lengths adrift.
Conflated fell two out when booked for minor hours at best as this was again a one-horse race.
He said: “Earlier is gone now. I’m OK and the horse is OK, we’ve a good horse and I was lucky in those colours a couple of years ago in the Triumph and I suppose it doesn’t make it any easier but what goes around comes around.
“It would make you wonder why I didn’t pick him (Allaho) last year wouldn’t it? He’s an animal to gallop and jump. He’s just really good. I got into a lovely rhythm on him again, it was straightforward. We took our time in learning about him but I think we’ve got there now. That’s what he likes doing, he’s built for it, look at the size of him. I’m delighted.”
Paul Townend celebrates Allaho's success
Mullins praised Townend’s efforts in the saddle. He said: “That was excellent. There as a lot of pressure on Paul after the way the horse jumped and galloped for Rachael (Blackmore) last year.
“There was a lot of pressure coming into this competition and after what happened in the first race there was even more added pressure, but as I always say Paul Townend is better with pressure – when there’s someone leaning on his neck, he excels. You wouldn’t think he had any nerves at all the way he jumped out, jumped from fence to fence and came down to the last as if it wasn’t there. That’s the mark of a champion.
“I was a nervous wreck watching. The horse was doing everything right for Paul and coming to the last I was thinking ‘here we go again’, but he got over it and jumped it well. Last year was exhilarating. I don’t know what the formbook says, but 12 months ago I was standing here in awe of him. This year I suppose we’re used to it.”
On future plans, Mullins added: “You know me – I like to stick what works! I’d be planning for the Ryanair again next year. We’ll see about Punchestown and I’m not going to make any plans for next season. I just want the horse in good form again and I’ll be all for taking the same path as we did this year.”
Joe Tizzard, assistant trainer to his father, Colin, was delighted with Eldorado Allen’s effort.
He said: “I’m chuffed to bits with him, he ran a blinder. I wouldn’t say we put it up to Allaho as that wasn’t the case, but we got into our own rhythm and he’s run a brilliant race. We didn’t drop him out and try to pick up the pieces, we did that a bit in the Arkle last year and said we wouldn’t do it again, we tried to win the race.
“He kept galloping nicely, so he can go up to three miles in the Bowl at Aintree on nice ground and the two that beat him might not be there. He’s been a good horse for us this year. He’s another one of ours who has run really well this week, but we haven’t managed a winner and we’ve only two outsiders to come.”
