AL BOUM PHOTO kicked off his Cheltenham Gold Cup defence with a winning return to action at Tramore this afternoon.
Back in action for the first time since the Punchestown Festival last May, Willie Mullins’ champion eased clear to a six-length win in the Grade 3 Savills Chase.
Bookmakers quickly moved to trim his odds of a successful Gold Cup defence from 6/1 to 5/1 generally, with Mullins indicating that he may go straight to Prestbury Park from here.
Ridden by Paul Townend, the 4/7 favourite only faced three rivals — two stablemates in Acapella Bourgeois and Voix du Reve as well as Gigginstown charge Shattered Love.
Townend was happy to up to pace from about six furlongs out, and with Al Boum Photo holding an easy lead over Acapella Bourgeois from two out, two clean jumps sealed an impressive win.
“I was very happy and couldn’t be more happy with the way the day worked out,” Mullins said afterwards.
“I’m leaning towards going straight to the Gold Cup with him from here again.”
He's back!
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) January 1, 2020
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
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