News Felix Yonger lands Hilly Way Chase repeat for Willie Mullins

Felix Yonger lands Hilly Way Chase repeat for Willie Mullins

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Felix Yonger produced a determined display under Ruby Walsh to successfully defend his crown in the rescheduled Kerry Group Hilly Way Chase at Navan.

Felix Yonger produced a determined display under Ruby Walsh to successfully defend his crown in the rescheduled Kerry Group Hilly Way Chase at Navan.

The Grade Two contest had twice been saved following the cancellation of racing at Cork on successive Sundays and a strong field of five went to post, including three previous winners of the race.

Last year's victor Felix Yonger was the 11-10 favourite for Willie Mullins following an encouraging reappearance when third in last month's Clonmel Oil Chase and was held up off the pace for much of the two-mile-one-furlong journey.

Hidden Cyclone, turning out little over a week after unseating his rider in the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase, did not jump with much enthusiasm early on, but gradually warmed to his task to ensure he remained in front turning for home.

Henry de Bromhead's 2012 Hilly Way hero Days Hotel and closing pair Felix Yonger and Bright New Dawn were all in with a chance racing between the final two fences and it was Felix Yonger who picked up best to lead at the last, where a bold leap sealed his two-and-a-half-length victory.

Bright New Dawn was second, with Hidden Cyclone third ahead of Days Hotel.

The only other runner, the winner's stable companion Twinlight, successful in 2013, was pulled up.

"He did it well. The ground was heavy enough for him," said Walsh.

"He had the fom in the book and had a good run in Clonmel. He finished off last season in style.

"I wanted to come with one run in that ground. He's not short of speed."

Paddy Power cut Felix Yonger to 7-1 from 14-1 for the Dial-A-Bet Chase on December 27, for which his stablemate Un De Sceaux is the 1-2 favourite.

The same firm make the nine-year-old 16-1 for the Ryanair and 25-1 for the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham in March.