The Paparrazi Kid gets the better of stablemate in Limerick

The Paparrazi Kid upstaged stable companion Felix Yonger in the feature Greenmount Park Novice Chase at Limerick on St Stephen's Day.

Felix Yonger was a warm order for the Grade Two contest having won his first three starts over fences, and was sent off the 2 to 5 favourite in the hands of Paul Townend.

However, 5 to 1 shot The Paparrazi Kid jumped smartly in the hands of the Emmet Mullins and was ultimately well on top as he held off Felix Yonger by a length and a half.

Balnaslow was four lengths back in third to give Willie Mullins, who endured a largely disappointing day at Leopardstown, a one-two-three.

Speaking after racing at Leopardstown, Mullins told At The Races: “The Paparrazi Kid did nothing wrong. It probably wouldn’t have been Felix Yonger’s ground, but he had a lot of ground to make up.”

Emmet Mullins said: “I fancied The Paparrazi Kid to finish second to Felix Yonger and knew that if things didn’t go right for him, I’d have a chance.

“It wasn’t the plan to make the running but he winged the first and landed in front. He was electric everywhere and I was able to fill him up turning in. He is improving all the time and loves that ground.”

The Paparrazi Kid’s verdict completed a big-race double on the card for the champion trainer, with Townend steering Smashing to a clear-cut victory in the O’Kelly Bros. Demolition & Environmental Contracts Hurdle

The 13 to 8 chance was seven lengths too strong for Aidan O’Brien’s 6 to 4 favourite Carriganog.

Willie Mullins said: “Smashing was very good. He jumped huge and gave his hurdles a foot or more, which tells me there was a lot more in the tank.

“He’s coming on and showed me today he’s a lot better than we were even hoping.”