Thurles winner Espresso Milan latest Willie Mullins novice to stake Cheltenham Festival claim

Sent off the 5/6 favourite for the W.T. O'Grady & E.J. O'Grady Memorial Irish EBF Novice Hurdle in the hands of Paul Townend, Espresso Milan travelled strongly on the heels of the leaders.

He took up the running between long-time leader American Jukebox and eventual runner-up Minella Emperor (17/2) soon after the second-last flight at the top of the straight and another good jump at the last effectively sealed the deal.

The six-year-old son of Milan galloped on strongly to put four lengths between himself and the Emmet Mullins-trained second.

Bookmakers were suitably impressed and clipped the winner from 20/1 to 14s for the Grade 1 contest over three miles at Cheltenham in March.

Townend said on Racing TV: "He went through the race really well, that was probably the nicest part of it (the performance). He's a fine, big horse and the old cliche of hurdling and chasing... but I think he's improving away nicely.

"The step up in trip was no harm to him which we thought it wouldn't. Even if he's had a few runs, he only does what you make him do. He's a nice horse, I'm not saying he's the second coming or anything but he'll pay his way. Staying is going to be his game."

The Mullins-Townend bandwagon rolled on when Jade De Grugy won the Grade 2 Carey Glass Irish EBF Mares Novice Chase by 18 lengths.

The seven-year-old made all the running in commanding fashion and the race was already in the bag prior to a huge leap at the last fence.

Paddy Power and Sky Bet trimmed Jade De Grugy to 12/1 from 16/1 for the Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase at Cheltenham in March.

The hat-trick was complete for both trainer and jockey as Appreciate It won the Grade 2 Horse & Jockey Hotel Chase.

The 12-year-old landed even-money favouritism as he beat stablemates James Du Berlais (9/4) and Gentleman De Mee (11/1) by 12 lengths and 11 lengths.

Townend said of Appreciate It: "He's a pleasure to ride, he's push-button stuff. He's an armchair of a horse and I got a good kick out of it. He shows the willingness to do it still and he quickened off the bend.

"They are hardcore racing fans here and they appreciate good horses. He's been around a long time and it's a great day all round."

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