Davy Crockett maintains perfect record with easy Listowel win

Davy Crockett, the third foal of Champion Hurdle winner Annie Power, took his unbeaten record to three with a bloodless win in the Seamus Mulvaney Bookmaker Novice Hurdle at Listowel.

Trained like the great mare by Willie Mullins and owned in a partnership between JP McManus and John Magnier, the four-year-old had won his only bumper by nine lengths and triumphed on his hurdling debut by two and a half lengths.

He was in deeper waters on this occasion against the Charles Byrnes-trained Sonnyboyliston, winner of the Ebor and Irish St Leger on the Flat when with Johnny Murtagh and a couple of other useful looking types.

Settled nicely by Paul Townend, Davy Crockett jumped fluently throughout and moved up stylishly behind his pace-setting stablemate La Note Verte.

While Sonnyboyliston had to go around the field, Townend sneaked up the inside and within a matter of strides began to pull clear.

He was untidy at the last but such was his momentum and advantage it made little difference and he won by four lengths. Arch Empire caught Sonnyboyliston right on the line to nab second.

Paddy Power left him unchanged as their 12-1 joint-favourite for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in March.

“He jumped so slick for a horse having just his second run over hurdles,” said Mullins. “He missed the last all right, but he was so slick at some of the other hurdles and is obviously taking after his mother.

“He looks sharp, and I can see him improving for the rest of the season and hopefully he can go up in grade.

“Tipperary will probably come a bit soon for him and we could look at the Royal Bond.

“La Note Verte ran well and finished fourth. The ground might be a bit soft for her.”