Willie Mullins, the dominant force in National Hunt racing, has unveiled a promising new recruit as The Reverend made a winning debut over hurdles at Cork Racecourse. The ex-Flat gelding, previously trained by William Haggas, justified short-price favouritism in the Happy New Year From All At Cork Maiden Hurdle, instantly sparking talk of a tilt at the Cheltenham Festival.
A Seamless Transition to Jumps
Ridden by the recently injured Paul Townend, The Reverend started as the 4-11 favourite and delivered a professional performance. The four-year-old, who reached a peak Flat rating of 102, jumped tidily throughout the contest. He settled well off the pace before asserting his authority in the closing stages, pulling clear to win by four and three-quarter lengths.
"He loves it doesn't he?" remarked Townend, who was riding for the first time since a fall at Punchestown on New Year's Eve. "He was looking for the next hurdle and settled really nicely for a horse that did so much racing on the Flat. The settling and the adjusting to jumps racing was the most taking part today."
Bookmakers React to Cheltenham Festival Potential
The market reaction to the victory was swift and significant. Several major bookmakers immediately cut The Reverend's odds for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March to 16-1, halving his price from the 33-1 available before the race. This move reflects the perceived quality of the performance and the potent combination of owner, trainer, and jockey.
The Reverend is owned by Tony Bloom and Ian McAleavy, who also owned the 2025 JCB Triumph Hurdle shock winner Poniros – a horse The Reverend had beaten in an Ascot handicap back in September 2024. His final start for William Haggas was a victory in the Betfair Exchange Old Borough Cup Handicap at Haydock in September 2025 off a mark of 98.
Mullins' Supreme Novices' Record and Future Prospects
Willie Mullins is the most successful trainer in the history of the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, having won the festival's opening race eight times. His previous winners include the likes of Vautour, Douvan, and last year's victor, Kopek Des Bordes. However, pundits have noted the champion trainer appears lighter than usual on standout novice hurdlers this season, which could elevate The Reverend's status within the stable.
Racing TV analyst Dave Nevison provided a measured take, stating: "There is a positive reaction to The Reverend's win but he's not challenging for favouritism by any means." The gelding's ability to adapt to the jumping game so readily, after schooling with Mullins' assistant Brian Hayes, marks him as a horse with considerable potential to make his mark on the biggest stage of all at Prestbury Park in March.
