Gallagher Festival Target Set for Ballyburn

Trainer Willie Mullins has officially set Ballyburn's sights on the Gallagher Novices’ Hurdle at the upcoming Cheltenham Festival. Meanwhile, Mystical Power and Tullyhill are set to compete in the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

After a loss to Firefox in his hurdling debut at Fairyhouse in December, Ballyburn triumphed at two and a half miles at Leopardstown before switching back to two miles to secure a Grade One victory at the Dublin Racing Festival last month.

Anticipation has been building around Ballyburn's potential runs in the Supreme and the Gallagher Novices’ Hurdle after his recent win. Mullins clarified the plan for Thursday's races, stating,

“Mystical Power is headed for the Sky Bet Supreme, and Ballyburn, all going well, will aim for the Baring Bingham (Gallagher Novices’ Hurdle).” Additionally, Mullins mentioned that “Paul Townend is likely to partner with Tullyhill in the Supreme.”

Mystical Power, a descendant of Galileo and Champion Hurdle winner Annie Power, boasts a perfect record of two wins from two starts over hurdles. Mark Walsh, the retained jockey for part-owner JP McManus, is expected to ride Mystical Power.

Tullyhill, owned by Cheveley Park Stud, faced a defeat at 1-8 in his hurdling debut but has since secured two impressive victories at Naas and Punchestown by significant margins.