Killultagh Vic bids for back-to-back feature wins as Mullins runs three

The much-loved New Year's Eve fixture at Punchestown has thrown up its fair share of memorable races, not least when Killultagh Vic made a winning return 12 months ago in the feature 2m4f hurdle (1.20).

Willie Mullins' talented nine-year-old returns this year, bidding to win this race on his seasonal reappearance again, but jockey bookings suggest he may not be the number one hope for the champion trainer, who also saddles Scarpeta and Bachasson.

Mullins said: "This will be a bit shorter than Scarpeta’s best but he comes here in good form. Bachasson and Killultagh Vic have had their training problems but it’s a nice place to start them off and build up their confidence again."

Watch Killultagh Vic win at Punchestown on New Years Eve

The race will provide Joseph O'Brien with an opportunity to learn more about his new recruit Darasso, a four-time winner in France.

O’Brien said: "I was hoping a couple of his rivals would run at Tramore on New Year's Day instead. It’s a small field but it looks very competitive. We’ll be learning about him here."

The five-runner field is completed by the Gordon Elliott-trained De Plotting Shed.

Superb start to Punchestown card

There will be no hiding place in the opening beginners' chase (12.15) with many leading owners and trainers represented.

Willie Mullins has won two of the past three runnings of the 3m1f contest and this year is represented by Ballyward and C'est Jersey, both of whom boast classy form over hurdles.

Joseph O'Brien is also double-handed with Shady Operator and Alighting, Noel Meade runs Kagney and Paul Nolan saddles dual point-to-point winner Shawshank.

Joseph O'Brien saddles two runners in the beginners' chaseCredit: Caroline Norris

Lofty opposition indeed, but Martin Hassett isn’t running scared and the Tipperary trainer believes The Conditional can go close.

He said: "I’ll be honest, I thought we were really unlucky to come down the last day at Thurles as he went there in great form. I’m delighted with him and I think he’ll make a super chaser. It’s a good race but I think he’ll give them a right rattle."

Peter's pitch perfect

Few horses have finished off the year quite like the Pat Flynn-trained Jake Peter. The dual-purpose four-year-old has not been out of the first two in his last seven starts, winning four, and Flynn is hoping for another good show in the 2m4f handicap hurdle [2.25].

The trainer said: "Jake Peter has been in great form and seems to be improving. He has a great heart and tries hard. Hopefully he'll run well again."

Members can read the latest exclusive tipping content such as Pricewise and Paul Kealy from 8pm daily on racingpost.com