Energumene Returns in Style with Hilly Way Chase Hat-Trick

A day after Jonbon dazzled at Sandown, Energumene showcased his enduring brilliance with a triumphant comeback in the Bar One Racing Hilly Way Chase at Cork. The 10-year-old, trained by Willie Mullins, secured his third consecutive victory in the Grade Two contest, marking a successful return to action after 20 months sidelined by injury.

Energumene, a two-time Queen Mother Champion Chase winner, had not raced since his Punchestown Festival success in spring 2023. Despite the long layoff, he started as the 5-4 favourite under Paul Townend and delivered a confident front-running performance, jumping fluently throughout.

Banbridge, the race-fit rival, posed a challenge in the closing stages but unseated Richie Deegan at the final fence, leaving Energumene to finish 10 lengths ahead of stablemate Dinoblue. Mullins’ dominance was complete, with Appreciate It and Blue Lord finishing third and fourth, respectively.

"That was a very exuberant display," said Mullins. "Paul said he was just looking for fences to jump and wanted to go a better gallop, so he let him stride on. I was delighted with his jumping, and it was a great foundation for the season."

Champion Chase Goals on the Horizon

Following his victory, Energumene’s odds for a third Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham were cut to 5-1, with Jonbon leading the market at 5-2. Another Mullins contender, Gaelic Warrior, is second-favourite at 100-30.

Energumene previously clashed with Shishkin in a memorable Clarence House Chase at Ascot in 2022. A potential showdown with Jonbon in January at Ascot is under consideration, but Mullins indicated that decisions still need to be made.

"Normally, we skip Christmas after the Hilly Way and aim for the Clarence House," Mullins added. "We'll see how he comes out of this race before finalising plans."

Mullins acknowledged Jonbon's impressive form, saying: “He put in a terrific round of jumping. It’s all to play for, and we’ll look forward to their meeting, hopefully not before Cheltenham.”

Ferny Hollow Update

Mullins also provided positive news on Ferny Hollow, who fell during his seasonal reappearance.

"I’m told Ferny Hollow is fine and came home well. It’s good to have the horses out and started for the season. We’ll find opportunities for them moving forward," Mullins concluded.

Energumene’s return sets up an exciting narrative for the Champion Chase division, with the prospect of high-stakes clashes later in the season.