CHELTENHAM Gold Cup winner Al Boum Photo was back with a bang on New Year’s Day as he landed the Grade 3 Savills Chase for the second year running.
The Willie Mullins inmate jumped soundly and only had to be pushed out to see offAcapella Bourgeoisin second.
Last seen following Kemboy home in the Punchestown Gold Cup, the son of Buck’s Boum got back on the scoresheet with an impressive performance in Tramore’s biggest race.
Paul Townend took up the running from an early stage and never looked in any danger as his mount tanked through the contest – before dispatching stablemate Acapella Bourgeois with ease.
A relived Willie Mullins said: “That was worse than watching the Gold Cup!
“We hoped today something out of the ordinary wouldn’t happen. Paul was very positive on him and made him work, and I was very happy with that.
He's back!
Gold Cup hero Al Boum Photo makes a triumphant return with successive wins in the Savills New Year's Day Chase at @TramoreRaces
Results
https://t.co/glajGV55GR pic.twitter.com/WQKc7kIwOB
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) January 1, 2020
“We might do what we did last year and go straight to Cheltenham.”
Shattered Love,in receipt of over a stone, couldn’t land a blow in third, whileVoix Du Revewas always on the back foot and finished last.
It was a thoroughly professional display and bookmakers duly took action, cutting the winner to a general 6-1 for a repeat Gold Cup success.
