Horse Racing News Update: Galway Festival Success for Willie Mullins Stable

The penultimate day of the Galway Festival witnessed an impressive display from the Willie Mullins stable, with Jackfinbar and Hipop De Loire securing a one-two finish in the BoyleSports Best Odds Guaranteed Maiden Hurdle.

Jackfinbar’s Triumphant Debut

Jackfinbar, the nine-year-old trained by the iconic Mullins, justified his 11/4 favoritism with a determined performance, crossing the line a length and three-quarters ahead of his stablemate Hipop De Loire, ridden by Danny Mullins.

This victory marks Jackfinbar’s successful debut over obstacles, and it has now propelled him into contention for a second crack at the prestigious Sky Bet Ebor at York later this month. After running well in last year’s Ebor, finishing behind another Closutton inmate Absurde, Jackfinbar has been cut to 20/1 by the sponsors for this year’s renewal.

Mullins’ Insight and Future Plans

Mullins, speaking after the race, confirmed that a trip to the Knavesmire is likely to be on the agenda for both the winner and the runner-up. “Both my horses were nine and seven years of age and were coming off the Flat, so wouldn’t have known about hurdling,” the trainer explained. “Jackfinbar was very keen, and it is a different pace over jumps, so they had to settle back and think, but both did it nicely.”

The Closutton handler also noted that it was a “pity” having to run the two horses against each other, but he wanted to give them an opportunity this week, with Jackfinbar having missed out on a chance to go novice hurdling last year due to injuries.

Anticipation for the Ebor Festival

This impressive one-two for the Mullins stable has undoubtedly set the stage for an intriguing clash at the Ebor Festival, as Jackfinbar and Hipop De Loire aim to emulate the success of their stablemate Absurde, who won the Ebor last year after a strong performance at Galway.

“Both my horses were nine and seven years of age and were coming off the Flat, so wouldn’t have known about hurdling. Jackfinbar was very keen, and it is a different pace over jumps, so they had to settle back and think, but both did it nicely.” – Willie Mullins

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