Irish connections filled the first three places in the 2022 running of the St. James’s Place Festival Hunter Chase as Billaway snatched victory from his chief market rival Winged Leader in the dying strides.
Run to a strong tempo courtesy of the often-reluctant Don Bersy, the field had become well strung-out some way from home owing to that strong gallop, and once the pace-setter relented with a mile to run, Billaway jumped his way to the front.
Barry O’Neill had always positioned the eight-year-old to the fore and David Christie’s charge entered into a battle with fellow Irish contender Mighty Stowaway, who had dead-heated with him at Loughbrickland back in November, as they raced towards the home straight.
The nine-time point winner won that private battle approaching the penultimate fence and looked to have the victory sewn-up jumping the last.
However, as the hill began to drain Winged Leader’s stamina, Billaway hit top gear and was closing with each stride setting up a thrilling finish.
By the line Billaway had just edged his head in front to get the verdict by a neck to provide Patrick Mullins with his first victory in the race and third of the festival having already claimed the National Hunt Chase aboard Stattler and Facile Vega in the Champion Bumper.
“Patrick kidded Billaway around there and the aim has been to win this race with him for three years. He’s come close twice and now he’s done it," said the winning trainer.
“He never gave up and it’s unfortunate for David Christie as it would have been a huge victory for him. As much as I love winning, I’m sorry for David because I know what it’s like losing in the last stride and it’s his Gold Cup as a big hunter chase and point-to-point man.
