Willie Mullins introduced a promising new recruit to the jumps scene as The Reverend, a former Flat performer, made a winning debut over hurdles at Cork. The four-year-old gelding, previously trained by William Haggas, was sent off the 4-11 favourite under Paul Townend and delivered a commanding performance, winning by four and three-quarter lengths.
The victory prompted several bookmakers to cut The Reverend's odds for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival from 33-1 to 16-1. Townend, riding for the first time since a fall on New Year's Eve, praised the horse's attitude and adaptability. 'He loves it, doesn't he? He was looking for the next hurdle and settled really nicely for a horse that did so much racing on the Flat,' said Townend.
The Reverend, owned by Tony Bloom and Ian McAleavy, had previously finished ahead of Poniros in an Ascot handicap in September 2024. Poniros later caused a major upset in the JCB Triumph Hurdle. The Reverend's final start on the Flat saw him win Haydock's Old Borough Cup.
Mullins, a record eight-time winner of the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, appears to have fewer leading candidates this season. Racing TV pundit Dave Nevison commented: 'There is a positive reaction to The Reverend's win but he's not challenging for favouritism by any means.'
