Emmet Mullins asserts that the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle holds much more significance than being a mere stepping stone to the Randox Grand National for Noble Yeats, the hero from Aintree in 2022.
However, Noble Yeats faced a setback last year, finishing fourth with a weight of 11st 11lb, which was 19lb higher than the previous year. In preparation for the title defence, Noble Yeats participated in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, where he finished a distant fourth, followed by a disappointing performance in the Grand Steeplechase de Paris.
Consequently, Noble Yeats began his campaign later, leading to the decision to bid for the Stayers’ Hurdle. After being beaten as an odds-on favourite on his seasonal debut, Noble Yeats made a remarkable comeback by narrowly defeating the popular Paisley Park in an exhilarating finish at the Cleeve Hurdle. Mullins firmly believes that this result puts Noble Yeats right in the mix for top honours at the Festival.
While Aintree in April remains the ultimate target, Mullins is not compromising on the preparations for the Stayers’ Hurdle, treating it as a significant race in its own right. The fall at Fairyhouse last week has posed a setback to Corbetts Cross, another contender with multiple novice chase entries. Mullins acknowledges that it is too early to determine the impact of the fall on Corbetts Cross' Cheltenham prospects.