'Nothing beats riding winners for confidence' - Willie Mullins yard in ominous form with four-timer as Cheltenham looms

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Willie Mullins has hit an irresistible patch of form just before the biggest week of the jumps season.

The champion trainer landed a 56-1 four-timer at Thurles, headlined by Grade 3 Pierce Molony Memorial Novice Chase winner C'est Ta Chance, ridden by Paul Townend.

Mullins' stable jockey can do no wrong at the moment and he guided home three winners from as many rides on the card, with Blizzard Of Oz, who landed the 2m7f hurdle, his seventh winner from his last ten mounts.

The four-timer was kicked off by 5-4 favourite Karamoja in the opening 2m2f beginners' chase as she stretched 12 lengths clear of Neon Diamond in impressive style.

C'est Ta Chance continued his rapid progress over fences in the following Grade 3 2m5½f contest, powering home to beat Nowwhatdoyouthink by four and three-quarter lengths at odds of 4-1.

The seven-year-old reached a rating of 131 over hurdles but looks a much-improved sort over fences, making it two wins on the bounce after scoring at Gowran Park in January.

"He was brilliant and has been a revelation over fences," said Townend. "He didn't jump great over hurdles but has more respect for fences. He's putting it together and while he'll have to step up again, he's going the right way and showed a lovely attitude."

While Mullins and Townend are in spectacular form, so are owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede as they were also responsible for the winner of the Jimmy Neville And Aine Hurst Memorial Hurdle when Blizzard Of Oz got the better of Timeless Treaty by a length and a quarter.

After a couple of below-par efforts over fences, the 9-4 shot was having his first go over hurdles since May 2024 and it proved an inspired move. It was Munir and Souede's fifth winner of the week, including three at Leopardstown on Monday and Tuesday.

"I think that will do his confidence the world of good," said Townend about the winner. "They get you out of trouble when they're in form. 

"Thankfully they seem to be running well. Nothing beats riding winners for confidence. It's like any sport – you need confidence going into these big meetings."

Anna McGuinness also got in on the act for Mullins as she steered 4-7 favourite Arslan to a cosy eight-and-a-half-length victory in the 2m½f maiden hurdle.

Poignant winner for O'Sullivan

Live To Laugh hopefully provided winning rider Ethan O'Sullivan and his family with a timely boost. The 7lb claimer rode his fifth winner on board the Peter Fahey-trained chaser, who bolted 13 lengths clear in the 2m5½f handicap chase to justify 9-2 favouritism.

"Ethan gave him a great ride," said Fahey. "Unfortunately his grandad died yesterday, so it will give his family a lift. This is his first winner for me, which is great."

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