Killultagh Vic reported fine after Leopardstown heroics

Willie Mullins reports Killultagh Vic none the worse the morning after his remarkable victory at Leopardstown.

A winner over hurdles at both Cheltenham and Punchestown last spring, the seven-year-old made a flying start to his career over fences at Fairyhouse last month and was a warm order stepped up to Grade Two level on Sunday.

Everything appeared to be going according to plan until he sprawled on landing after jumping the final fence, but having seemingly lost all chance, he somehow regained his momentum to get back up for a most unlikely victory under an inspired Ruby Walsh.

Mullins tweeted: “I’m happy to report that #KillultaghVic seems absolutely fine after his little speed wobble LeopardstownRC.”

Killultagh Vic has a number of potential options at this year’s Cheltenham Festival, with Mullins on Sunday identifying the JLT Novices’ Chase as his most likely target.

Weighing-room colleague Richard Johnson felt Killultagh Vic's improbable triumph neatly symbolised the glorious unpredictability of National Hunt racing.

He told Betway: “It was just a great effort from both horse and rider.

“We all know how good a horseman Ruby is. He’ll be the first to admit that when a horse makes a mistake and stays straight that it’s easier to stay on, but he did brilliantly well to keep him going and get up near the line.

“The horse should also take massive credit. Not only did he manage to stay on his feet, but to quicken the way he did after such a bad mistake is very hard indeed.

“This is what we all love about jump racing, you just never know what’s going to happen.

“It’s great for racing when you see something like that, it gets the sport more publicity.”