Tag Archive for: Fairyhouse

Gibney happy to handle Intense pressure of training National favourite

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Trainer Tom Gibney is doing his best to keep his feet on the ground as he puts the finishing touches to his Randox Grand National favourite Intense Raffles.

With the world’s most famous steeplechase now less than a fortnight away, Gibney opened his doors to the media on Tuesday morning to celebrate the launch of the 2025 Boylesports Irish Grand National, a race the County Meath handler won for a second time with Intense Raffles last season.

The Simon Munir and Isaac Souede-owned grey won his first two starts in Ireland at Fairyhouse after being switched from France – and 12 years after landing the Easter Monday feature with Lion Na Bearnai, Gibney admits hopes were high his new stable star could repeat the feat.

“I was confident he would run very well, we genuinely would have been very disappointed if he wasn’t there or thereabouts,” he said.

“Everything fell into place as you’d really like it to, which doesn’t happen that often, but when it does, it’s a lovely feeling. You could just feel that everything was going right.

“It gave us confidence that he’d been round Fairyhouse before. He’d been there twice and won there twice and loves the place – I love it myself!

“In the Irish National, he did what he’d done the previous two times there and it was just like clockwork. The whole thing went very smoothly and we enjoyed every bit of it.

“It was brilliant for Simon and Isaac to send us a horse as we’re a small outfit here and it kind of goes against the trend of the current state of affairs in racing in Ireland and England over jumps. It was a big shout from them and it was a fantastic feeling that it was worthwhile and worked out.”

Tom Gibney (left) with his Irish Grand National hero Intense Raffles
Tom Gibney (left) with his Irish Grand National hero Intense Raffles (Gary Carson/PA)

The Irish Grand National has a good record of producing subsequent Aintree heroes, with Bobbyjo, Numbersixvalverde and I Am Maximus all doing the double in the last 30 years.

Intense Raffles was well beaten on his first two starts of this season over hurdles at Navan, but a close second to Nick Rockett in Fairyhouse’s Bobbyjo Chase appears to have put him spot-on for April 5.

Gibney added: “I wasn’t in great humour leaving Navan either day as I genuinely did think he’d run well and was genuinely disappointed, particularly the second day.

“The first day I thought he might need the run and I was happy enough, but the second day I was disappointed. I thought he’d be well fit to compete there and he wasn’t. I went home scratching my head, so I was nervous.

“It was a relief to see him back to his old self in the Bobbyjo.”

One of less than 30 horses currently residing at Gibney’s yard, Intense Raffles is as short as 5-1 with some firms for National glory.

Asked whether he can believe he trains the favourite for the Aintree spectacular, Gibney said: “I suppose I can in a way, but it’s a nice feeling. Hopefully he’ll run like a favourite!

“I’d prefer to have the favourite rather than a 50-1 shot all day long. He doesn’t know he’s favourite and we just do the same thing – and if it works great, and if it doesn’t, what about it.”

On whether he is feeling nervous, he added: “I don’t know, on and off. You’re preparing for so long and I’m actually kind of relieved to get this far.

“I don’t know how he’ll take to Aintree, you know as much as I do on that score. We haven’t schooled him over the National fences yet, they only put them up at the end of last week I think, so we’ll hopefully go down this week and pop them at the Curragh.”

While Aintree is clearly at the forefront of his mind, Gibney also has one eye on winning a third Irish Grand National on April 21.

This year’s candidate is the lightly-raced Kinturk Kalanisi, who unseated his rider on his most recent appearance at Navan but had previously shown a decent level of form over hurdles and over fences.

Gibney said: “It is 100 per cent the plan to go. We thought the last day if we got in the first three we’d get a few pounds for our troubles and maybe guarantee us a place in the Irish National.

“It will be nervous waiting to see whether we do get in or not, but we’ve had it in mind with him since he ran in that novice handicap hurdle there (Fairyhouse) last year. He finished third, we figured he might improve for going over fences and he has.”



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Nick rockets to near National favouritism in Bobbyjo victory

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Nick Rockett is as low as 8-1 second-favourite for the Randox Grand National following victory in the Follow @ToteRacing On Twitter Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse.

The absence of last year’s Grand National hero I Am Maximus due to an infection removed a layer of interest from the Grade Three contest and Paul Townend switched to fellow Willie Mullins inmate Nick Rockett following the withdrawal of his original mount.

Sent off the 5-6 favourite, Townend was happy to sit close to Intense Raffles as he set out to make all, and the pair were still disputing it with three fences to jump.

Nick Rockett's Grand National odds have been cut
Nick Rockett’s Grand National odds have been cut (Brian Lawless/PA)

They met the last obstacle almost level but Nick Rockett had too much in reserve for the game Intense Raffles, who was conceding 3lb, edging a three-quarter-length victory.

Betfair chopped Nick Rockett’s Aintree odds to 8-1, leaving him behind only Inothewayurthinkin in the market for the Aintree spectacular on April 5.

Nick Rockett was winning his second National trial having landed the Thyestes Handicap Chase at Gowran last month, with Mullins’ sights now set on a recovery period before heading to Liverpool.

“I thought it was a nice performance, beating an Irish National winner in the process, and it was a nice trial for Aintree. I’m very pleased with him,” said Mullins.

“It was tough coming back from the Thyestes only four and a bit weeks before. That was tough and should leave him spot on for Aintree.

“They were very tough conditions there and he’ll probably take a little while to recover from that, but he has the time.

“I was very impressed with how slick he jumped, his jumping was excellent.”

Nick Rockett was beaten 30 lengths by Intense Raffles when only seventh in the Irish National last season, but Mullins thinks Aintree could be more his speed.

He added: “We aimed him for the Irish National last year but it didn’t work.

“He’s a horse I think has the potential to run well around Aintree. Bobbyjo winners have been lucky around there.

“We just need to get there and have a bit of luck in running.”

Paul Townend could face a Grand National dilemma
Paul Townend could face a Grand National dilemma (Brian Lawless/PA)

The Closutton trainer has a clutch of National contenders, including I Am Maximus, which leaves Townend – who would have ridden I Am Maximus had he taken his Bobbyjo chance – with a potentially tough choice in the coming weeks.

Mullins said: “We won’t have to make any of those choices yet, but it would be very hard to get off last year’s winner with the way he handled the track.”

Of the absent I Am Maximus, he added: “He’ll be all right, it just happened on the wrong day for him.

“It could be a blessing in disguise for him, not carrying that weight around today on the ground. We won’t know until Aintree.”

Spindleberry jumps the last for Paul Townend
Spindleberry jumps the last for Paul Townend (Brian Lawless/PA)

Mullins and Townend were also on the mark with Spindleberry in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Colreevy Mares Novice Chase.

Having just her second chase outing in the Listed affair, the 8-11 favourite made the most of a hefty pull in the weights with Bioluminescence to run out a cosy six-and-a-half-length winner.

A number of bookmakers cut her odds for the Cheltenham Festival, but Mullins – who also won the concluding bumper with Kaiser Ball (11-2) – is inclined to wait for a Grade One assignment at Easter instead.

He said: “She was very impressive for only her second run over fences, taking on an experienced mare like Bioluminescence.

“I’m very pleased. I loved the turn of foot she showed between the last two to put the race to bed and then under pressure to throw in a good jump at the last.

“For a mare with only one run over fences, I thought it was a hell of a run in a Listed chase.

“We’ll look at the WillowWarm Gold Cup, the Grade One for novices, here at Easter. She seems to like this track.

“She’s entered at Cheltenham, but that might just come a bit soon after today.”



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I Am Maximus absence expected to be minor blip

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Connections of I Am Maximus are hopeful the minor setback that led to the Grand National hero being been ruled out of the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse will prove only a minor inconvenience.

The Willie Mullins-trained nine-year-old was due to contest the Grade Three he won 12 months ago en route to another bid for the Aintree marathon.

An infection scuppered that plan, but it is not considered to be too severe and he should resume work next week.

“He’s had a bit of an infection that has stopped him from running,” said Frank Berry, racing manager to JP McManus.

“He’ll be back riding out next week, so hopefully everything will go right for him from there on in.

“It’s a minor thing, just enough to stop him running today which is a pity as the race looked to really suit him.

“Willie is hoping all will be well early next week and he’ll be back riding out then.”



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I Am Maximus back in Bobbyjo action at Fairyhouse

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I Am Maximus leads a strong Willie Mullins team for the Follow @ToteRacing On Twitter Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse, as he tunes up for the defence of his Grand National crown in the race he claimed emphatically 12 months ago en route to Aintree glory.

The JP McManus-owned nine-year-old romped to a 14-length victory in this Grade Three event before going on to win equally impressively in Liverpool, although he has failed to show the same zest in two starts this far this term.

Paul Townend has stayed loyal to his National hero, but Mullins – who has won eight of the last nine editions of the Bobbyjo – sees stablemate and Thyestes winner Nick Rockett as potentially the best placed from his quartet of runners, with Minella Cocooner and Capodanno the others from Closutton who also have Aintree on their agendas.

Paul Townend (left) and Willie Mullins (right) with their Grand National hero I Am Maximus
Paul Townend (left) and Willie Mullins (right) with their Grand National hero I Am Maximus (Niall Carson/PA)

“Nick Rockett would look the one at the weights,” said Mullins.

“It was tough for Paul to have to make the decision, but he won the National on I Am Maximus and it would be very hard to get off him at a track that he likes and runs well on.

“Nick Rockett would look to be nicely placed in this race.

“I was very pleased with Capodanno’s recent work and we also have Minella Cocooner. They all have their chance, but on paper you’d have to think that Nick Rockett looks the part. But I Am Maximus loves the track and reserves some of his best runs for around there.”

Intense Raffle won last year's Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse
Intense Raffle won last year’s Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse (Niall Carson/PA)

In 2024 I Am Maximus replicated Bobbyjo, the horse this race is named after, and followed up victory in the Irish Grand National the previous year with a win in the English equivalent.

Thomas Gibney’s Intense Raffles is now bidding to follow suit having claimed last year’s Easter showpiece and he returns to fences for the first time since that Fairyhouse victory having been kept to hurdles in the early part of this season.

Elsewhere in the line-up, Noel Meade runs Affordale Fury, Mouse Morris fields French Dynamite, while William Murphy’s Clonmeen completes the eight taking part in a race with a fine roll of honour.



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Aurora Vega continues on the right path at Fairyhouse

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Aurora Vega successfully stepped up in class to provide trainer Willie Mullins with a 10th victory in the SBK Solerina Mares Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse.

The champion trainer fired a three-pronged assault at a Grade Three contest he has dominated in recent years, with 85-40 favourite Aurora Vega joined by a couple of talented stablemates in Baby Kate and Fancy Girl.

Impeccably-bred being a daughter of Walk In The Park out of the great racemare Quevega, Aurora Vega had won five of eight previous starts and was bidding to make it back-to-back victories at Fairyhouse following an all-the-way victory at the County Meath circuit on New Year’s Day.

The choice of stable jockey Paul Townend, the seven-year-old was never too far off the pace and picked up well in the straight to pull clear of the chasing pack.

Dream On Baby briefly threatened to make a race of it after Aurora Vega steadied herself approaching the final flight, but the latter found more on the run-in to prevail by a length and three-quarters.

Beauforts Storm was best of the rest in third, with Baby Kate and Fancy Girl both disappointing.

Coral cut Aurora Vega’s odds for the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival to 12-1 from 25-1 – but Mullins suggested she may instead stay at home.

Trainer Willie Mullins at Leopardstown
Trainer Willie Mullins at Leopardstown (Brian Lawless/PA)

“It looked a big improvement to me, I was really taken by that performance,” said Mullins.

“I thought she’d come on a lot from the last day, (but) I wasn’t expecting that out of her.

“She looked like one that you’d maybe want to keep for the Grade One Mares’ Novice here at Easter. That would be foremost in my mind at the moment.

“Baby Kate disappointed me a little bit with her performance there.”



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Kiss Will survives mistake to emerge as latest Mullins prospect

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Kiss Will survived a final-flight scare to make an impressive debut for Willie Mullins at Fairyhouse.

Bought for €280,000 after finishing second in a French bumper in September 2023, the five-year-old was the 4-11 favourite to go one better on his Irish introduction in the Fairyhouse, Racecourse Of The Year 2024 Maiden Hurdle.

Under a positive ride from Paul Townend, Kiss Will scooted clear of Hello Jack from the home turn and while odds-on backers will have had their hearts in their mouths when he fluffed his lines at the last, it did not halt his momentum as he powered on to register 13-length victory.

On the mistake at the last, Townend said: “He’ll have to learn how to do that as well if he’s going to be a good horse, he’s going to have to jump at speed. He found a leg, which was good.

“It was a match from the time we jumped off and I had the better of that turning in. He lengthened well up the straight and handled the nicer ground well.”

Bookmakers shortened Kiss Will to a general 16-1 for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in March, and Townend added: “He showed a little bit more of a turn of foot than I thought, but other people have different opinions of him at home.

“He’ll be an exciting horse and have a future.”

Mullins and Townend doubled up in the Jump Into January Maiden Hurdle with last season’s Champion Bumper fifth Fishery Lane.

The Bryan Drew-owned six-year-old could finish only third on his hurdling bow, but raised his game with a four-and-a-half-length verdict as the 10-11 favourite.

Townend said: “When he ran the last day I wasn’t very good on him and they all came forward, the ones that were running at that time.

“He’s a strong stayer, I’d say – that would be my opinion of him.

“He got experience jumping and he probably wants it. He’ll be improving on the job.”

Gordon Elliott and Danny Gilligan teamed up to land the Easter Festival April 19th – 21st Rated Novice Hurdle with 100-30 shot Find A Fortune.

The eight-year-old, who had been off the track since May of last year, was not winning out of turn having been placed in six of his seven previous races under rules.

“We thought he’d need the run to be honest. We only stuck him in at 9.55am because the race was cutting up. He looked big enough for one of ours walking around the ring,” said Elliott.

“It’s great for Aidan (Ryan, owner) who is a big supporter of the yard, it’s nice to get a winner for him.

“He’ll go chasing at some stage, we’ll keep him going as he’ll handle better ground.”

Gavin Cromwell continued his excellent run of form by saddling Springt De La Mare (2-1) to land the opening Fairyhouse For Fundraisers Beginners Chase under Keith Donoghue.

“He couldn’t win a hurdle race, but he jumped very well for his first run over fences and he just looks like a chaser,” said Cromwell.

“I’ve no plan, we’ll see what the handicapper does and maybe look at a novice handicap.”



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Slevin continues in winning form for Munir and Souede

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J J Slevin continued his good start as retained rider for Simon Munir and Isaac Souede when producing Mistergif with a flying finish to take the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase at Fairyhouse.

The Willie Mullins-trained six-year-old showed promise over hurdles last term, finishing fifth in the Supreme and then fourth in Grade One company again at Aintree.

He was the 7-2 third-favourite behind stablemates Tullyhill and Asian Master on his chasing debut but came with a wet sail from well off the pace to overhaul that duo late on.

Mistergif won going away by a length and three-quarters ahead of 6-4 market leader Tullyhill, with 13-8 shot Asian Master a further five and a half lengths back in third.

“I’m delighted, I was delighted to be up on him and it was a good performance,” said Slevin, who prevailed on O’Toole at Ayr in the ‘double green’ colours earlier this month after succeeding Daryl Jacob and was riding his first winner for Mullins here.

“He jumped well bar the third-last, and that was probably my fault. Other than that, he was very good, he settled well.

“He has a bit of class, he’s a nice horse.”

King Alexander was another scorer for Mullins in the SBK Handicap Hurdle, this time with Paul Townend on board.

The seven-year-old was a four-time winner when with Nicky Henderson and was always travelling well on his first start for the Closutton camp, ultimately pulling away for a two-and-a-half-length triumph at 15-8.

Townend said: “He travelled nicely throughout the race and I’d say he enjoyed that ground at that trip. He stayed going well.

“He always travelled well in England, looking at him, and at least he went through with it today. Hopefully he’ll be a nice fun horse.”



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King crowns Dan Moore clean sweep for Cromwell

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The King Of Prs led home a clean sweep for Gavin Cromwell in the £100,000 SBK Dan & Joan Moore Memorial Handicap Chase at Fairyhouse.

Conor Stone-Walsh made the most of his 5lb claim to steer the 11-2 winner clear by two and three-quarter lengths, having come through with a dream run on the inside to hit the front approaching the final fence.

They were followed home by stablemates Path d’Oroux and the fast-finishing Midnight It Is, partnered by Keith Donoghue and Sean Flanagan respectively.

Gordon Elliott’s American Mike kept on well to fare best of the rest in fourth.

The King Of Prs claimed a hat-trick of wins at Listowel, Wexford and Limerick last season before later going on to fall in the Grand Annual at Cheltenham and a return to Prestbury Park could be on the cards.

“It’s brilliant to win it, and brilliant to have the second and third as well,” said Cromwell.

“He was a very cheap purchase as a store and he has kept improving. He has plenty of size and scope and there is no reason he won’t keep improving.

“Keith was a little bit annoyed with himself that he came wide on him in Leopardstown at Christmas and he wasn’t beaten far. He came out of it well, he’s tough and hardy.

“Conor is great value for the claim and that was a big help. It’s nearly like a free 5lb.

“You have to feel sorry for Path d’Oroux, he’s threatened to win a big one and has missed again, but he ran really well.

“Unfortunately, he’ll probably go up another couple of pounds for that and it’ll leave it tougher for him, but that’s the nature of it.

“Midnight It Is ran a cracker as well, he was a little bit keen early and Sean took him back out of it and he came home well.

“I suppose they could all end up running in the Grand Annual.”



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Sixandahalf full of promise in Cromwell four-timer at Fairyhouse

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Sixandahalf created a big impression when running out a stylish winner of the SBK Mares Maiden Hurdle at Fairyhouse, kicking off a fantastic four-timer for trainer Gavin Cromwell.

Having claimed a Punchestown bumper in April, Cromwell’s five-year-old went on to enjoy a successful stint on the Flat, scoring at Cork and Newmarket before finishing third in the Irish Cesarewitch at the Curragh.

Her jumping debut could hardly have gone any better, with Sixandahalf (2-1) tracking long-time leader Qualimita before cruising through to take over approaching the second-last.

Two neat jumps put the race to bed and Keith Donoghue did not have to push her out to score by a dozen lengths.

Sixandahalf was cut from 14-1 to 7-1 for the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham by Betfair and Paddy Power, and Cromwell said: “She jumped really well and you couldn’t ask for better.

“I’m not sure where we go from here. She’s not very big, but she has an engine, a great attitude and jumps well.

“Hopefully, she’ll end up going to the mares’ novice (at Cheltenham) ultimately.”

When asked if she could go back on the Flat during the summer, he added: “Absolutely, she’s a very versatile mare.”

Cromwell also had the first three home in the lucrative SBK Dan & Joan Moore Memorial Handicap Chase, won by The King Of Prs, and completed his four-timer thanks to Noble Birth and De Temps En Temps.

Noble Birth made virtually all of the running in the Irish Stallion Farm Novice Chase and galloped on strongly from the front under Donoghue to beat Banjaxed by just over four lengths at 11-4.

Noble Birth after winning at Fairyhouse (Gary Carson/PA)

“It was a good performance. He got a little bit of a freebie in front, I suppose, and he jumped great and stayed going well,” said Cromwell.

“I suppose we’re in the hands of the handicapper now and we’ll make a plan after that. I haven’t looked yet but maybe the novice handicap chase in Navan or something like that.”

Declan Lavery conjured up a late charge from 5-2 shot De Temps En Temps to land the SBK (Pro/Am) Flat Race, a contest won previously by the likes of Gerri Colombe, Tornado Flyer and Romeo Coolio.

Cromwell said: “He was good. I thought turning in ‘what’s after going wrong here, I thought he was much better than that’ – but once he got going, he flew.

“I thought it was getting very tight at the furlong pole but he was lucky enough to get through. He picked up to get in between them and then pricked his ears when he got there.”

The handler added: “It’s been a brilliant day. I’m not sure if I had an across-the-card four-timer before but that’s definitely my first at one meeting. It’s great, at a local track as well.”

Elsewhere, Declan Queally’s Bacchanalian justified 4-5 favouritism with the minimum of fuss in the Racing TV Club Day At Fairyhouse Hurdle, making all to score by four and a quarter lengths.

Winning jockey Sean O’Keeffe said: “That was very nice. He popped out nice in front and jumped away well.

“He had a nice jump at the second-last when I wanted him and kind of put the race to bed. He just popped the last and came home well enough.”



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Champ Kiely starts chasing career in style at Fairyhouse

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Willie Mullins would have been hard pressed to start 2025 on a better note as the champion trainer enjoyed six winners across New Year’s Day cards at Fairyhouse and Tramore.

More Coko got the afternoon under way with a maiden hurdle success as the 6-4 joint-favourite at Tramore, where Embassy Gardens then took the feature O’Driscoll’s Irish Whiskey New Year’s Day Chase at 9-1.

Mullins was in attendance at Fairyhouse, however, where he took their feature event as Allegorie De Vassey won the YellowFord & Drumlin John & Chich Fowler Memorial Irish EBF Mares Chase as the 5-4 favourite under Paul Townend.

The same rider was on board all four Fairyhouse victors, including the Grade One-winning hurdler Champ Kiely as he lined up over fences for the first time in the Bellshill Beginners Chase following a 614-day absence.

Successful by 11 lengths after a slick round of jumping, the bay showed plenty of promise despite his lengthy break from racing and impressed both trainer and jockey.

“He did everything as it should be done, he galloped and jumped,” said Mullins.

“Paul was very happy that he’s much more relaxed over fences than he was over hurdles, which will hopefully bring about more improvement in him.

“We’ll have to look at the two-mile-five race at the Dublin Racing Festival.

“He could easily step up in trip, Paul remarked that he was so relaxed which means you could step up.”

Sounds Victorius opened his account over timber with success in the ITM Irish Stallion Trail 10th – 11th January Maiden Hurdle.

The six-year-old was fourth in both the Grade One bumpers at Cheltenham and Punchestown last season, but some less than fluent jumping denied him the chance to win his jumping bow at Punchestown in November.

On the second time of asking he started the 4-11 favourite when ridden by Townend and this time he got his head in front by two and three-quarter lengths.

“He’s a lovely big type, a real chasing type,” said Mullins.

“He’s just really laid back and he just idled. When the other horses came around him it took him a while to pick up and go again.

“With the new configuration of hurdles here, so they don’t have to take them out because of sun, there is a lot of racing without a hurdle. Paul said he lost complete interest going down the back.

“It’s a better system though if they can have all the jumps in and I applaud Fairyhouse for that.”

Betfair cut the winner to 20-1 from 25-1 for the Albert Bartlett in March, and Mullins added: “It looks like he’s crying out for a further trip. We’ll be aiming him higher now and he might be an Albert Bartlett type.

“He’s out of a Presenting mare so he’s going to stay all day and he’ll go on better ground.”

Mullins and Townend also teamed up when Aurora Vega returned to winning ways in the Wishing Everyone A Healthy 2025 Mares Hurdle.

The seven-year-old is exceptionally well-bred as she is the daughter of the great Quevega and is by Walk In The Park, a pedigree that ensured expectations were high when she began her career.

Her spell in bumpers yielded three wins from five starts and she won her hurdling debut in summer, but was pulled up when last seen at Wexford in October and was reported to be “clinically abnormal” by the vet afterwards.

Returning to action at Fairyhouse she was nevertheless the 10-11 favourite and although her jumping was not without error, she was ultimately able to claim a workmanlike two-and-a-half-length victory.

“She at least put that run in Wexford behind her and looked like she’s back on an upward curve,” said Mullins.

“I’m very happy with how she jumped and how she handled the ground.

“I think there is the Solerina race here towards the end of the month and we’d be looking at that.

“I like when they show a liking for here because you can always look at the Grade One race here at Easter.”



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Allegorie De Vassy takes Grade Three honours at Fairyhouse

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Allegorie De Vassy made light work of the YellowFord & Drumlin John & Chich Fowler Memorial Irish EBF Mares Chase at Fairyhouse, as Willie Mullins enjoyed a superb start to 2025.

The eight-year-old was contesting the Grade Three as the 5-4 favourite under Paul Townend, a race she finished second in last season when well beaten by Gordon Elliott’s reopposing Riviere d’Etel.

Again a field of five assembled for the race and Allegorie De Vassy made all of the running, making smooth progress throughout and strolling to a straightforward triumph with her nearest rival 25 lengths behind in the shape of Gavin Cromwell’s Limerick Lace.

“It was nice performance from her. She enjoyed being in front today and Paul said she just enjoyed her jumping and galloping,” said Mullins.

“Even with the 24mm of rain they had here the ground needed it all. It’s still not real winter heavy or anything like that and she enjoyed that nice bit of ground.

“She put in some super jumps and I’m very happy with her.

“We’ll possibly look at the Opera Hat next at Naas, it’s down in trip which wouldn’t be ideal but it’s a mares’ race.”



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Mullins impressed with Sounds Victorious at Fairyhouse

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Willie Mullins’ Sounds Victorius opened his account over timber with success in the ITM Irish Stallion Trail 10th – 11th January Maiden Hurdle at Fairyhouse.

The six-year-old was fourth in both the Grade One bumpers at Cheltenham and Punchestown last season, but some less than fluent jumping denied him the chance to win his jumping bow at Punchestown in November.

On the second time of asking he started the 4-11 favourite when ridden by Paul Townend and this time he got his head in front by two and three-quarter lengths.

“He’s a lovely big type, a real chasing type,” said Mullins.

“He’s just really laid back and he just idled. When the other horses came around him it took him a while to pick up and go again.

“With the new configuration of hurdles here, so they don’t have to take them out because of sun, there is a lot of racing without a hurdle. Paul said he lost complete interest going down the back.

“It’s a better system though if they can have all the jumps in and I applaud Fairyhouse for that.”

Betfair cut the winner to 20-1 from 25-1 for the Albert Bartlett in March, and Mullins added: “It looks like he’s crying out for a further trip. We’ll be aiming him higher now and he might be an Albert Bartlett type.

“He’s out of a Presenting mare so he’s going to stay all day and he’ll go on better ground.”

Mullins and Townend got their afternoon off to a good start when Aurora Vega returned to winning ways in the Wishing Everyone A Healthy 2025 Mares Hurdle.

The seven-year-old is exceptionally well-bred as she is the daughter of the great Quevega and is by Walk In The Park, a pedigree that ensured expectations were high when she began her career.

Her spell in bumpers yielded three wins from five starts and she won her hurdling debut in summer, but was pulled up when last seen at Wexford in October and was reported to be “clinically abnormal” by the vet afterwards.

Returning to action at Fairyhouse she was nevertheless the 10-11 favourite and although her jumping was not without error, she was ultimately able to claim a workmanlike two-and-a-half-length victory.

“She at least put that run in Wexford behind her and looked like she’s back on an upward curve,” said Mullins.

“I’m very happy with how she jumped and how she handled the ground.

“I think there is the Solerina race here towards the end of the month and we’d be looking at that.

“I like when they show a liking for here because you can always look at the Grade One race here at Easter.”



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Majborough makes magnificent chasing debut at Fairyhouse

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Majborough turned in a tremendous performance to take the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase at Fairyhouse.

Willie Mullins elected to go straight over fences with his Triumph Hurdle hero and he looked a natural as he bounded along at the head of affairs.

Stablemates Tullyhill and Asian Master kept tabs on him, and it was Tullyhill – also a smart performer in his bumper days – who proved the biggest threat.

That challenge was only a brief one, however, as the four-year-old Majborough and Mark Walsh fairly rocketed clear after the last to win by six and a half lengths as the easy-to-back even-money favourite.

Winning connections with Majborough at Fairyhouse
Winning connections with Majborough at Fairyhouse (PA)

Walsh said: “He was very good. There were a few little novicey mistakes, but I wouldn’t mind that on his first run.

“He had to do it the hard way in front, but when Paul (Townend, on Tullyhill) came to him we were fairly motoring over the last two and he was good and slick at them.

“With the size of him, fences were always going to be the making of him and it was a great introduction for him.

“He lobbed away in front, he wasn’t keen with me. He has gears and he’ll stay, so he’s one to look forward to.

“Willie’s other two horses in the race were no slouches, so it was a good test for him.”

Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus, added: “He jumped well and Mark was happy with him.

“We’ll see how he comes out of it and the Grade Two in Naas (on January 5) could be an option. We could only be pleased with the way he won and jumped.”

Mullins struck again when the Townend-ridden Judicieuse Allen (7-1) produced an irresistible late charge to get up in the McInerney Properties Rated Novice Chase.

Townend said: “She jumped for fun but was doing plenty at times throughout the race, so when they got racing around me three out, I tried to go with them without fully committing.

“I had to give her a chance to recharge the batteries and she got a good jump at the last. She has a big heart and found plenty on the run-in.

“She loves jumping fences and stays well. She doesn’t mind that ground and will go on slower ground as well.”

Reflecting on Tullyhill in the first race, he said: “I thought it was a nice run, and it rode a good race.

“I’d say we were beaten by a very good horse, but I’d be happy with him if he can build on that.”

Inn At The Park (6-1) made it three for Mullins in the Lacey’s Plumbing & Heating Supplies Maiden Hurdle, before Closutton stablemate Future Prospect (11-8) looked well named in the bumper.

Patrick Mullins was in the saddle for a nine-length success and said: “She was lugging left a bit all the way. I wanted to go down the inside, but I tried not to fight with her and we ended up in the middle of the track, which was fine.

“She settled in front, even though we were going a good gallop, and I was pleasantly surprised how well she picked up.

“I’d imagine we’ll look to the DRF (Dublin Racing Festival) with her for the mares’ bumper. She might be a slightly easier ride going the other direction.

“I think she’s the first Order Of St George that we’ve had and I wouldn’t mind a few more of them if they were like that.”



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‘Hugely exciting’ Majborough over fences for the first time at Fairyhouse

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Last season’s Triumph Hurdle winner Majborough will take to fences for the first time in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase at Fairyhouse on Saturday.

The four-year-old, who is trained by Willie Mullins and owned by JP McManus, was victorious at the Cheltenham Festival in March when defeating stablemate Kargese by a length and a half.

He returns to action over fences having always been considered a chaser in the making, and will contest a race used to good effect by his powerhouse yard in the past, as El Fabiolo and Blue Lord are previous winners.

“We’ve been very happy with him, obviously we’ve decided to go chasing with him this year rather than hurdling,” said Patrick Mullins, assistant to his father.

“Physically, he’s reminiscent of (twice Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up) Djakadam, who was also a juvenile hurdler. He’s been schooling very well and he’s hugely exciting.

“He’s not your typical juvenile, he’d be nearly 17 hands, so he’s a big, tall horse and though he’s not as heavy as Djakadam, his whole build screams chaser.”

Tullyhill also represents Closutton, a horse who was second in the 2023 Punchestown Champion Bumper and won twice over hurdles last season before failing to fire in the Supreme and then the Champion Novice back at Punchestown.

He too takes to fences for the first time and has some experience in the discipline, as he was a winner on his sole point-to-point start.

“He perhaps didn’t show his full potential last year as a novice hurdler, but he was a winning point-to-pointer before that,” Mullins said of the Cheveley Park Stud-owned grey.

“His work has been really good and we’re hoping jumping fences is going to bring out the best in him.”



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Derham savours Fairyhouse strike with Washington

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Washington made a trip across the Irish Sea worthwhile when landing the Bar One Racing “100% Football Acca Boost On Self Service Betting Terminals” Handicap Hurdle at Fairyhouse.

Harry Derham’s eight-year-old made a winning stable debut after nearly a year off in October and had long been pencilled in for the Listed event in Ireland.

He was ridden by Paul O’Brien and started as the 4-1 favourite, looking promising from an early stage when travelling well under bottom weight of 10st 4lb.

Before long the victory looked assured and he crossed the line five lengths ahead of Barry Connell’s Enniskerry.

“He has very sporting owners. This race closes early and I thought with the ground in Ireland being quite dry this autumn that it might suit us,” said Derham.

“We had it in our mind, obviously it was a huge amount of prize-money and I thought the track would really suit him.

“When he won at Chepstow last time out I considered the Greatwood, but I thought the track wouldn’t suit at all.

“This place, a big, galloping track, I thought it would be perfect for him. Very rarely in horseracing a plan comes together, but this one actually did!

“This is the biggest race I’ve won so far in my career and it’s very cool because this horse is a little bit older and has a few miles on the clock.

“To get him back loving it like this and to put in a performance like that was exceedingly satisfying.”

History Of Fashion went one better than last year’s effort to take the Bar One Racing “Guaranteed Overnight Prices” Porterstown Handicap Chase.

Pat Fahy’s gelding missed out by three lengths under Richie Condon 12 months ago and started a 10-1 chance this time when ridden by 7lb claimer Harry Sexton.

On this occasion he was not for beating in the Listed event and in a strongly-contested finish, he battled to success by a length and a quarter.

The Bar One Fairyhouse Winter Festival – Sunday December 1st
History Of Fashion at Fairyhouse (Evan Treacy/PA)

“He was second in this race last year, with Richie Condon, and it was a great run,” said Fahy.

“It’s a great syndicate from Limerick and Clare, headed by Stephen Murphy. I’m very lucky with the very few owners I have. Only for them there wouldn’t be days like this.

“If you have a few owners, it’s amazing what you can do. They’ll get some kick out of it.

“It just goes to show that form is form. He loves Fairyhouse and he won around Down Royal the last time. Some tracks he just won’t operate around.

“The ground drying out makes such a difference to this horse. If the ground is soft and loose he can manage but if it was even quicker today, that would be his ground.

“He ran a similar race last year, but this year he went one better and he was a good fifth in the Irish National.

“It wasn’t a typical National last year and we snuck in. We had a great day out, finished fifth and it was like winning.”

La Malmason returned to form at Fairyhouse for Gavin Cromwell and Keith Donoghue.

The Bar One Fairyhouse Winter Festival – Sunday December 1st
La Malmason en route to victory (Evan Treacy/PA)

The six-year-old had undergone surgery for kissing spines after struggling with her jumping last term and the results were clear as she contested the Bar One Racing “Bet 10 Euros Get 50 Euros Sign Up Offer” Irish EBF Mares Handicap Chase.

A 10-1 chance for the race, the bay jumped well throughout and was a comfortable four-length winner on the line.

“She was very good. We were clutching at straws with her, but she had kissing spine surgery during the summer and it’s obviously done the trick,” said Cromwell.

“She was making a lot of mistakes last year. We got her checked out at the end of the season and went and found that.

“I’m delighted with the way she jumped there today, Keith said when he jumped the first, he knew she was a different mare. Hopefully she can kick on from here.

“I haven’t look beyond today, this was the plan. I was a little bit concerned the ground wouldn’t be slow enough for her, she’d appreciate softer going. She’ll definitely get further.

When asked if she could possibly be a Thyestes Chase contender, he added: “You couldn’t rule it out and I wouldn’t rule out an Irish National either.”

Koktail Brut (15-8) took the closing Bar One Racing “Bet Builder On Self Service Betting Terminals” (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race for Gordon Elliott.



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