James’s Gate Shines on Return to Boost Connections of Fastorslow

James’s Gate marked his return with an impressive victory in the Punchestown Festival 2025 Tickets On Sale Maiden Hurdle, providing a morale boost for connections following the sidelining of their star chaser, Fastorslow.

A talented bumper performer for Willie Mullins in 2022, James’s Gate had finished third to former stablemate Facile Vega in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham. However, his career was interrupted by nearly two years on the sidelines before returning under Martin Brassil.

After a promising fourth in a competitive Leopardstown maiden hurdle and a third-place finish in the Grade Two Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle earlier this year, he was given time off again until this Punchestown outing.

Sent off at 6-1 under jockey Ricky Doyle, James’s Gate travelled smoothly throughout the race. When the front-runner Joystick faded, he capitalised, coasting to a four-and-a-half-length victory over favourite Forty Coats despite a late mistake at the final hurdle.

Trainer Martin Brassil was delighted with the performance:

“He’s had his problems, but he’s been in a good place since coming back this summer. We know he has raw talent from his bumper days, and we’ll see how much we can capitalise on that.”

“I’d like to see his jumping improve a bit, but he could be a talented horse going forward. He’s a lovely individual and a nice horse to have around the yard.”

The win encourages owners Sean and Bernadine Mulryan, who recently had to rule out their top-class staying chaser Fastorslow for the remainder of the season. James’s Gate now looks set to develop into a promising hurdler as connections build on this strong comeback.