Fascile Mode and Michael O'Sullivan© Photo Healy Racing
Undefeated bumper star A Dream To Share's absence from his jumps debut in Punchestown's opening BetVictor Predictor Maiden Hurdle today paved the way for Fascile Mode to record an easy success.
A Dream To Share was expected to start long odds-on, only to be withdrawn yesterday with a stone bruise, and in his place Christmas bumper winner Fascile Mode started 1/2 favourite and had little difficulty defeating 14 rivals.
Fascile Mode's jockey Michael O'Sullivan won the 2022 renewal on subsequent Supreme Novices Hurdle winner Marine Nationale, which followed Cheltenham heroes Captain Cee Bee, Labaik and Samcro in winning past runnings of today's race.
Fascile Mode's trainer Tom Mullins commented “it’s great to get that job done and I was expected a good run. I was disappointed he did that (mistake) at the third last but it was his first day at school.
“Since he came here today he was gawking everywhere and was on his toes for some reason. He settled well in the race which was great but was having a good look at everything and I’d say he would have learned a lot. I’m very happy with him.
“There is a novice in Cheltenham at the November meeting or the Royal Bond but his jumping will have to sharpen up. He’s brilliant at home and has done a lot of schooling.”
Quotes from Alan Magee
