Nick Rockett and Danny Mullins win for owners Stewart Sadie Andrew and trainer Willie Mullins © Photo Healy Racing
Nick Rockett put up a hugely impressive performance when staying on strongly to land the Grade 2 Paddy Kehoe Ceilings Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse.
The former point-to-point winner had won his bumper and maiden hurdle prior to today but faced a big step up in class taking on graded horses for the first time.
Willie Mullins apparent second string was always handy under Danny Mullins as he tracked leader The Gunner Yeats from flag fall. As the latter began to struggle on the run to two out, Mullins moved closer before taking up the running at that penultimate flight.
A big jump at that obstacle sealed the victory but he showed real class in powering right away from his rivals on the run-in to score by 15 lengths.
David Casey said:- “That was great. We thought he had improved a bit from Naas, we weren't sure going there what to expect as he was a horse that was always going to improve with time.
“Danny said he improved a lot more than he thought he would and he put up a very good performance. He travelled super and jumped great.
“We always had him down as a horse for the future for jumping fences. I think the best is ahead of him.”
The winner holds entries in two Grade 1 contests at Punchestown and Casey added:- “He could go two-and-a-half or three miles if you wanted. We'll see how the rest of them slot in.
“We thought he was a pure chaser but he's just improving hand over fist, which is great. If he continues that improvement over fences next year it would be great and he's one to look forward to.”
Paddy Powers introduced Nick Rockett at 20/1 in their betting for the 2024 Turners Novices Chase
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
