Flanagan hoping for good showing from William Munny

Sean Flanagan is expecting a good showing from William Munny in today’s opening Michael O´Sullivan Supreme Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham today, with the rider hoping for a first win in the race.

William Munny’s owner/trainer Barry Connell won the 2023 renewal with Mariene Nationale under the late Michael O’Sullivan, with today’s festival opener set to be a poignant occasion.

Regarding William Munny, who is generally an 8/1 chance today, jockey Flanagan says “William Munny’s bumper form was very strong and he is starting to get it all together over hurdles now. I believe his style of racing will be suited to the Supreme (Novices Hurdle) as he travels really well and, touch wood, is a very sharp, smart jumper.

“It just took him a little while to get everything together over hurdles and he wasn’t disgraced in his two defeats either as they are two very solid runs behind very very smart horses. He didn’t do a lot wrong both days although was fresh and keen on his first run this season.

“I was lucky when I got on him that it was a small field and I was able to anchor him and he jumped smartly. He finished off his race really well and while it was tight for time between then and the Supreme, he didn’t have a hard race either.

“He has had three quick runs but is a good, solid, hardy horse.”

Quotes from Dave Keena