Ballyward and Pravalaguna delight Mullins with their work

Cheltenham contenders Ballyward and Pravalaguna both delighted Willie Mullins as they fine-tuned their preparations with gallops at Leopardstown.

Ballyward will represent Ireland’s champion trainer in the four-mile National Hunt Novices’ Chase next week, while the mare Pravalaguna still has a choice of entries.

Mullins said after Monday’s racecourse gallops: “Ballyward went around and he jumped fine — I’m delighted with him.

“Pravalaguna jumped well, and I’m delighted with her.

“They jumped a full circuit. Patrick (Mullins) rode Ballyward, and Paul (Townend) rode Pravalaguna.”

It has long been clear which race Ballyward is set to contest next week, and Mullins confirmed the seven-year-old is on course to do so.

“Ballyward will go for the four-miler,” he said.

“It’s a tough one with Pravalaguna and will depend on the ground. She’s in the Arkle, JLT and the (Close Brothers) handicap.”

Pravalaguna has won both her chase starts this winter, while the lightly-raced Ballyward also heads to the Festival on the back of a victory — having easily beaten the well-regarded Chris’s Dream in a Grade Three novice chase at Naas in January.