English/Ire
Mullins says “wow” as He’s On Fire lights up Grade 2
He’s On Fire produced a commanding performance to land the Grade 2 Paddy Kehoe Suspended Ceilings Novice Hurdle, providing Willie Mullins with his fourth victory in the race in the past five years.
The five-year-old, trained by Mullins in the famous colours of Rich and Susannah Ricci and ridden by Paul Townend, was sent off the 3-1 favourite and justified that support in emphatic fashion. Stepping up in class after his maiden hurdle success at Carlisle in February, he surged clear to score by 12 lengths.
Generous Risk filled the runner-up spot, while I Started A Joke finished third, a further three-and-a-quarter lengths adrift.
He’s On Fire had previously raced three times in France, with his best effort coming when second at Auteuil in November behind Goliath d’Aunou. This latest success marked another significant step forward in his development.
Looking ahead, Mullins suggested Punchestown as his likely next assignment before the gelding embarks on a novice chasing campaign.
Speaking to Racing TV, the Closutton handler said: "We thought he was half-decent but... wow. That was a hell of a performance, I thought.
"We had him rated at 120 or something but we thought he was fairly decent, his runs were average enough but we just wanted to get experience into him. Since we came in, we were always happy with him.
"We'll have a look at it [Punchestown], hopefully we all get there. King Rasko Grey came out of Cheltenham well so they're two nice horses. You always need a couple to go for a nice race as something nearly always happens to one of them."
In the aftermath of the victory, Paddy Power shortened He’s On Fire to 12-1 from 20-1 for the 2027 Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham.
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