Flat recruit The Reverend made a winning debut over jumps at Cork with success in the Happy New Year From All At Cork Maiden Hurdle.
The five-year-old was previously campaigned on the level by William Haggas, running up to a rating of 102 and notably finishing a length ahead of Poniros in a valuable Ascot handicap in September 2024.
The latter horse went on to win the Triumph Hurdle for Willie Mullins after being purchased by Tony Bloom and Ian McAleavy, the same pair who own The Reverend and have sent him to the same trainer.
Poniros’ famous Triumph success was on his hurdling debut, but The Reverend made a more low-key start to his new career with a four-and-three-quarter-length victory as the 4-11 favourite under Paul Townend at Cork.
The winning rider said: “I haven’t schooled him at home, but Brian (Hayes) told me he jumped very well. He loves it and is kind of looking for the next hurdle.
“He settled really nice for a horse that has done so much racing done on the Flat. We tried the hood on him just in case, but he settled lovely and did everything nicely. He quickened up and settled it quick.
“I’d hope he can make his mark at graded level. He’s not big but he’s hardy, jumps well, and if he can transfer his level of form on the Flat to jumps, he’d be a good ride.”
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