Kiss Will survives mistake to emerge as latest Mullins prospect

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.”