Hey Sunshine Completes Hat-Trick in Listed Triumph at Punchestown

The small but mighty Hey Sunshine dazzled with a hat-trick of victories as she claimed the Buy Your Punchestown Christmas Gift Mares Novice Hurdle in commanding fashion. Ridden by Paul Townend and trained by Willie Mullins, the five-year-old showed grit and growing class to secure her first Listed win.

After wins at Kilbeggan and Downpatrick, Hey Sunshine (11-8 favourite) faced a significant rise in competition. However, she proved equal to the challenge, surging through a tight gap in the straight to defeat Tareze by three and a half lengths.

Townend praised the mare’s attitude and improvement after the race:

“The gaps opened up nicely, but you need the animal to take them, and she did. She’s improving with every run and has a lovely attitude—she really wants it.”

“The step-up in trip suited her, and she finished strong again. The ground was a bit of an unknown, but she handled it well, which opened more doors for her. She’s tough and just keeps getting better.”

The victory was part of a stellar day for the Mullins yard, which secured a four-timer with successes from Dancing City (2-5 favourite), You Oughta Know (7-4), and Kitzbuhel (3-1).

Hey Sunshine’s latest triumph solidifies her as an exciting prospect, with Townend hinting at her ability to handle a variety of conditions as her upward trajectory continues.