He wasn’t physically present at Thurles on Sunday but that didn’t stop Willie Mullins from making his presence felt. The 2021 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle hero is now a 12-year-old but he retains all his enthusiasm for the game, a reality he illustrated by justifying even-money favouritism in front of a big Thurles crowd. However, there was nothing of that calibre in opposition in Thurles and she cruised to victory in the manner one would expect from a 1-7 shot. “He’s a smashing horse,” Townend said of the 5-6 winner. I’d say he’s a nice horse.”The Emmet Mullins-trained Rising Dust defied a 15lb hike to win the Support Thurles Bookmakers Handicap Chase, his third consecutive win at the Tipperary venue.

Source: Irish Examiner January 18, 2026 18:37 UTC