Onwards and upwards as Mullins ace Killultagh Vic nears return to training

There was light at the end of the tunnel for followers of Killultagh Vic as Colin McBratney, who has been assisting with the recovery of the Grade 1 winner, reported on Monday that the talented chaser has made a full recovery and will return to Willie Mullins' yard on Wednesday.

He said: "Killultagh Vic is doing well and is heading to Willie on Wednesday – he's ready to step forward now to the next stage.

"He had a crack on his pelvis as well as a suspensory injury but he's fully recovered and has done plenty of work – we're very happy with him."

Absent since January 2016, when somehow winning a Grade 2 novice chase at Leopardstown after all but coming down at the last under Ruby Walsh, Killultagh Vic is 7-1 favourite for the St James's Place Foxhunter at Cheltenham in March.

Killultagh Vic somehow recovers from this mistake to win at LeopardstownCredit: Alain Barr

Ruby Walsh sits tightCredit: Alain Barr (racingpost.com/photos)

However, when asked whether hunter chasing beckons for a horse who beat Thistlecrack on his final start over hurdles at Punchestown in 2015 and has earned a rating of 153 over fences, McBratney responded: "I don't think so, not at the moment.

"That was a possibility at one stage but the way things have progressed this past month would suggest he still has plenty of ability. If he stays right I can see him doing better things.

"He's a very classy horse and is still only eight. There's plenty of time to go hunter chasing with him."

Sky Bet quote Killultagh Vic at 66-1 for the Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup.

If you are interested in this, you might also like:

Walsh says Douvan and Faugheen will be back as brilliant as ever

Jumps season preview