Ferny Hollow, trained by Willie Mullins, staged an impressive comeback after a 791-day layoff to secure victory in the Newlands Chase at Naas.
Despite this remarkable performance, the nine-year-old is unlikely to feature in next month's Cheltenham Festival.
It has been almost four years since Ferny Hollow clinched victory in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham, representing Cheveley Park Stud. Injuries hampered his career, limiting him to just three subsequent appearances. Following a successful hurdling debut at Gowran Park in the following season, Ferny Hollow faced over a year off the track. However, he made a seamless transition to fences, claiming Grade One success at Leopardstown in December 2021 before his recent absence.
Despite being the 2-5 favourite for the Grade Three race, Ferny Hollow delivered a commanding performance throughout the two-mile contest. Jockey Paul Townend guided him skillfully, positioning him well before making a decisive move in the final stretch. Ferny Hollow cruised to victory, crossing the finish line with a comfortable five-and-a-half-length lead.
Speaking after the race, Mullins expressed satisfaction with Ferny Hollow's performance after such a long break. Looking ahead, he emphasised the importance of maintaining the gelding's soundness for future races.
Although Coral has shortened Ferny Hollow's odds for the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham, Mullins is considering bypassing the event due to its proximity. Instead, he aims to target other major festivals in the coming months.
As Ferny Hollow continues his comeback, Mullins remains cautious about pushing him too soon. The focus is on ensuring the horse's well-being post-race before deciding on future racing plans.