Majborough 6/1 for Arkle at Cheltenham Festival after impressing on chasing bow

Willie Mullins' four-year-old was sent off the even-money favourite against Closutton neighbours Tullyhill (3/1) and Asian Master (2/1) but he outjumped the pair of them on the way to a six-and-a-half length success.

The Triumph Hurdle winner was having just his third career start but he quickly made the transition to jumping fences, leaping fluently throughout and making the most of his 6lb age allowance under Mark Walsh.

Paul Townend tried to apply pressure aboard stablemate Tullyhill be he couldn't go with the winner from before the last and he had to dig deep to ensure second in the end from the rallying Asian Master.

Betfair Sportsbook cut Majborough to 6/1 from 12/1 for the Arkle Novices' Chase at next year's Cheltenham Festival, the looming presence of another stablemate, Ballyburn, casting a shadow over that antepost market.

Walsh said: “He was good and quick and slick. You can see the size of him, fences were always going to be the making of him.

“Once he jumped out in front he was happy enough, he wasn’t keen with me. He’s not a slow horse, he’ll stay but he has gears.

“Willie’s other two horses in the race are no slouches so it was a good test for him.”

Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus, added: “He jumped well and Mark was happy with him.

“We’ll see how he comes out of it and the Grade Two in Naas (on January 5) could be an option. We could only be pleased with the way he won and jumped.”

Rest of Fairyhouse

Mullins struck again when the Townend-ridden Judicieuse Allen (7/1) produced an irresistible late charge to get up in the McInerney Properties Rated Novice Chase.

Townend said: “She jumped for fun but was doing plenty at times throughout the race, so when they got racing around me three out, I tried to go with them without fully committing.

“I had to give her a chance to recharge the batteries and she got a good jump at the last. She has a big heart and found plenty on the run-in.

“She loves jumping fences and stays well. She doesn’t mind that ground and will go on slower ground as well.”

Reflecting on Tullyhill in the first race, he said: “I thought it was a nice run, and it rode a good race.

“I’d say we were beaten by a very good horse, but I’d be happy with him if he can build on that.”

Inn At The Park (6/1) made it three for Mullins in the Lacey’s Plumbing & Heating Supplies Maiden Hurdle, before Closutton stablemate Future Prospect (11/8) looked well named in the bumper.

Patrick Mullins was in the saddle for a nine-length success and said: “She was lugging left a bit all the way. I wanted to go down the inside, but I tried not to fight with her and we ended up in the middle of the track, which was fine.

“She settled in front, even though we were going a good gallop, and I was pleasantly surprised how well she picked up.

“I’d imagine we’ll look to the DRF (Dublin Racing Festival) with her for the mares’ bumper. She might be a slightly easier ride going the other direction.

“I think she’s the first Order Of St George that we’ve had and I wouldn’t mind a few more of them if they were like that.”

More from Sporting Life

• Racecards
• Fast results
• Full results and free video replays
• Horse racing news
• Horse racing tips
• Horse racing features
• Download our free iOS and Android app
• Football and other sports tips
• Podcasts and video content

Safer gambling

We are committed in our support of safer gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.

If you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline / GamCare on 0808 8020 133.

Further support and information can be found at begambleaware.org and gamblingtherapy.org.