18+ | Commercial Content | T&Cs apply | Wagering and T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly | Advertising Disclosure
icon
John O'Riordan

John O'Riordan

Kiely looks real Champ in Tipperary rout

Sun 2nd Oct 2022, 15:28

Champ Kiely and Danny Mullins win the Fitzgerald s Woodlands House Hotel Novice HurdleChamp Kiely and Danny Mullins win the Fitzgerald s Woodlands House Hotel Novice Hurdle
© Photo Healy Racing

Champ Kiely looked a novice capable of mixing it with the very best this winter when running out an impressive winner of the Grade 3 Fitzgerald's Woodlands House Hotel Novice Hurdle at Tipperary.

Now unbeaten in three starts under rules, the Willie Mullins-trained gelding made all and had his rivals in trouble early in the straight.

A big jump 2 out sealed the race and he kept on powerfully under Danny Mullins to win for the second time over flights. Brazil stayed on best of the rest to occupy the runner-up spot, with Hubrisko a stablemate of the winner, back in third.

“He was very good. He showed his stamina in Galway and backed up that with speed today. He's ticking a lot of boxes,” said Danny Mullins.

“He looks to be going the right way. Off a strong pace he quickened which not many can do.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

About John O'Riordan
John has worked for the Press Association since 2022. He also writes a weekly column for The Irish Field and is a regular contributor to the Irish Racing Yearbook. He has previously written for the Racing Post, Irish Examiner and Irish Daily Mirror. He has been involved in racing for over three decades; having experience as a syndicate member, sole owner and breeder.