AL BOUM PHOTO was close to picture perfect as he made an easy winning return at Tramore.
The dual Gold Cup winner made light-work of his four rivals in the Grade 3 New Year’s Day Chase.
It was a third Tramore win on the spin for Willie Mullins’ star and will again be used as a launchpad for the Cheltenham Festival where he will be looking to emulate the legendary Best Mate in the Gold Cup.
Best Mate was the last horse to win three Gold Cups on the spin and Al Boum Photo now has the chance to join him in the history books.
The Tramore heat became a walk in the park at the halfway stage when leader Djingle swiftly faded.
Stablemate Brahma Bull had already departed after he got rid of David Mullins over the second.
It left Al Boum Photo to track his other stablemate Acapella Bourgeois for the remainder of the race before he kicked clear two from home.
He skipped away with relative ease, as all 2-9 favourites should.
Betfair cut him into 7-2 from 9-2 for the Gold Cup off the back of his win.
More to follow.
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