Racing

Majborough makes magnificent chasing debut at Fairyhouse

Willie Mullins’s Triumph Hurdle hero proved far too good for stablemates Tullyhill and Asian Master

Triumph Hurdle winner Majborough impressed with victory in his first race over fences in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners' Chase at Fairyhouse on Saturday. Photograph: Adam Davy/PA Wire
Triumph Hurdle winner Majborough impressed with victory in his first race over fences in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners' Chase at Fairyhouse on Saturday. Photograph: Adam Davy/PA Wire
Sat Dec 14 2024 - 16:40

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

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.

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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 5th] 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.”