3 years ago
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Willie Mullins said State Man "jumped like a champion hurdler" in his Leopardstown victoryState Man claimed victory in the Irish Champion Hurdle by beating three-time winner Honeysuckle at Leopardstown.
Willie Mullins-trained State Man, ridden by Paul Townend, was the 6-5 favourite and denied Rachael Blackmore's mount Honeysuckle a fourth successive win.
Vauban and jockey Danny Mullins finished third in Dublin.
Trainer Mullins said State Man, who has five consecutive wins over hurdles, "did everything right" in the race.
The Irishman, 66, told ITV: "We couldn't have asked for anything more.
"He jumped like a champion hurdler, I thought, all the way down the back. Paul asked him some big questions and he came up every time. I'm very happy."
State Man was at the head of the field throughout but Honeysuckle managed to stay in his slipstream until the closing stages.
State Man powered off the bend and Honeysuckle was unable to follow, with Mullins' horse eventually crossing the line four-and-three-quarter lengths ahead.
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