WELCOME MATT FOR TULLYHILL

THE Cheveley Park colours were to the fore when Tullyhill got off the mark for the Willie Mullins team in the Matt Britton Irish EBF Maiden Hurdle in Naas yesterday.

The grey was a leading bumper horse last season when finishing second to A Dream To Share in the Grade One Punchestown Champion Bumper in April.

He was expected to land his hurdles debut at the same track in November, but his jumping left plenty to be desired and he was beaten 24 lengths in second.

This time he was 2-9 favourite under Paul Townend and though his jumping was still in need of perfecting he was unchallenged in securing a seven-length victory.

“He needs practice jumping. He’s just very sticky and his best jump was maybe the second-last when they came up around him,” said Mullins.

“He probably likes being competitive and I’m happy his jumping will improve as the season goes on.

“He’s probably more of a chaser in the long run.

“He needs all the practice he can get and we’ll get at least another run into him (before Cheltenham).

“I thought he was a stayer, but he might be better going a good gallop over two miles. After getting beaten the last day I don’t want to go out in trip with him yet.”

Gordon Elliott got on the board in the Race And Stay Handicap Chase with Pats Choice, a 16-1 shot who has been busy since the season began and was partnered by Jack Kennedy.

“Jack gave him a brilliant ride. He jumped great and travelled great for him,” said the Cullentra handler.

“Jack gave him a great ride. He’ll keep going in those two-miles chases.”