Kings Hill demonstrated an impressive display of skill as he triumphed in the second division of the maiden hurdle at Thurles, leaving no doubt about his superiority.
The talented gelding, trained by Paul Gilligan, had showcased his potential with a commendable fourth-place finish at Leopardstown over the festive period. As the race commenced, Kings Hill, with odds of 4/7, surged to the forefront under the expert guidance of jockey Jack Gilligan, maintaining a commanding position throughout the race's duration of just under two miles.
With a commendable performance, Kings Hill secured victory by a three-and-a-quarter length margin over the valiant Crooked Tannie. Reflecting on the race, Gilligan expressed,
"While the field may not have been the strongest, such races often prove to be the most captivating. Considering Kings Hill's exceptional performance at Leopardstown, it was evident that he was destined for success”.
Gilligan further shared his future aspirations, stating,
"Participating in the Supreme Novices at Cheltenham is undoubtedly a cherished ambition. However, today's performance, while remarkable, may not have been sufficient to secure a victory in such a prestigious event. Consequently, it would be prudent not to risk running him in any races prior to the Supreme Novices”.
Gilligan also acknowledged the instrumental role played by Tony Costello, who first introduced Kings Hill during a meeting in Doncaster and the collective efforts of Paul Lyons, Tom Quinn, and himself in acquiring the talented gelding.