Owner of 'very special' Facile Vega throws down gauntlet to bumper rival

Ger O'Brien on Facile Vega: 'When Patrick [Mullins] hit the giddy up button the response was fairly instant.'

Facile Vega: 'When Patrick hit the giddy-up button the response was fairly instant'Credit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

It will take something special from main market rival American Mike to lower the colours of Facile Vega in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper at Cheltenham, according to Ger O'Brien, part-owner of Saturday's hugely impressive Grade 2 bumper winner at the Dublin Racing Festival.

Facile Vega demolished a field of six previous winners at Leopardstown, and O'Brien, who revealed he backed his horse at odds as big as 25-1 for Cheltenham glory, believes the youngster has what it takes to make it to the top.

Then again, Facile Vega is bred to be top notch. By Walk In The Park and out of Quevega, who won the Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham an incredible six times for Willie Mullins and the Hammer and Trowel Syndicate, it was written in the stars for Facile Vega to be blessed with an engine.

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Brian SheerinReporter

Published on 8 February 2022inNews

Last updated 19:02, 8 February 2022

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