Kilcruit another top-class winner for Stowaway after banishing Cheltenham blues

Kilcruit banished memories of his Champion Bumper defeat at Cheltenham with an impressive display in Punchestown's Grade 1 bumper, providing the Willie Mullins team with an especially significant moment.

The son of Stowaway had sprung to the racing public's attention with a breathtaking win in the Grade 2 Goffs Future Stars (C & G) I.N.H. Flat Race at the Dublin Racing Festival but suffered defeat by half a length at Cheltenham at the hands of Sir Gerhard - who was six and a half lengths behind him in third on this occasion.

Catch up: the tragic tale of Sir Gerhard's young breeder

The six-year-old was bred by Mullins' mother Maureen and was second on his debut for Anthony Mullins at Clonmel in March 2020. His talents soon became abundantly clear when he strolled to a nine-length win at Navan in December.

Yet another top-level winner for the late Stowaway, Kilcruit joins the likes of Monkfish, Outlander, Put The Kettle On and Champagne Fever in representing their prolific sire with scores at the highest level.

Kilcruit: star performer for StowawayCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

He is the third foal out of the winning Broken Hearted mare Not Broke Yet - a winner over hurdles and third in a Listed contest for Thomas Mullins - and is a full-brother to Broke Away, a winner over hurdles for Alexandra Dunn and Dave Arthur.

Kilcruit, who was shortened by several bookmakers for next season's Ballymore Novices' Hurdle, is owned by Michael Masterson, who also has the brilliant Supreme Novices' Hurdle victor Appreciate It.

Read more

Big-spending Noel Moran on a new arrival and why he stuck with Gordon Elliott (£)

Coolmore-Schick links renewed as Circus Maximus to shuttle to Windsor Park Stud

Smart David Evans purchase Rohaan claims more Group race glory for Mayson