Willie Mullins celebrated a momentous occasion at Exeter racecourse with his inaugural runner resulting in victory. The talented mare, Fun Fun Fun, showcased her prowess in the Trustatrader Fully Vetted Tradespeople Novices' Hurdle, defying the late surge of the crowd favourite, Favour And Fortune, trained by the esteemed Alan King. Notably, these two contenders had previously crossed paths during the revered Champion Bumper at the illustrious Cheltenham Festival.
On that occasion, Favour And Fortune had secured a slightly superior position, finishing one place ahead of Fun Fun Fun and enjoying a 7lb advantage. However, the tides turned in Exeter as Fun Fun Fun, priced at 6-4, received a more favourable weight allocation, carrying a significant 10lb less than her competitor. This advantageous circumstance played a pivotal role in her securing a remarkable Listed black type victory, adding to her growing accolades.
Mullins, demonstrating his astute understanding of the sport, tactfully placed Fun Fun Fun in this particular race despite the demanding nearly 700-mile round trip. The strategic decision proved fruitful as the mare faced only two rivals, with Paul Nicholls' Insurrection fading early in the straight. The exhilarating climax saw jockey Daryl Jacob skillfully guide Fun Fun Fun to triumph, prevailing by a mere half a length as they elegantly cleared the final hurdle.
Jacob expressed his admiration for the mare's unwavering determination and highlighted her diminutive size juxtaposed with her indomitable spirit. Notably, he called attention to Fun Fun Fun's remarkable aptitude for jumping, hinting at a promising future in fence racing. Reflecting on the race, Jacob shared his preference for a lower position at the last hurdle but acknowledged Fun Fun Fun's impressive performance in overcoming the obstacle. Furthermore, he lauded the exceptional form of Alan King's horses, recognising the formidable challenge posed by Favour And Fortune.