Energumene wins on return to track
Energumene won on his return to the track today in Cork Photo: ©INPHO/Tom Maher
Energumene returned to action in style when winning the Grade 2 Hilly Way Chase at Cork today.
The two-time Champion Chase winner was making his first appearance since April 2023 after missing last season due to a leg injury but looked full of running as Paul Townend guided home with stable mates Dinoblue and Appreciate It in second and third place behind.
Banbridge had looked set to challenge but the Joseph O’Brien’s runner unseated Ricky Deegan when jumping the last fence.
After seeing Energumene clinch his 17th success in the race, trainer Willie Mullins told RTÉ:
“The plan was for Dinoblue to make it but Paul said this fella just grabbed the bit and wanted to jump and gallop, and he let him do it rather than fight him. It suited him and he loves jumping and galloping, that’s why he is a champion two mile chaser, or was one.” The performance has punters already drooling about a potential meeting at the 2025 Cheltenham Festival with Jonbon, who won the Tingle Creek for trainer Nicky Henderson in impressive style on Saturday.
“Jonbon put in a terrific round of jumping and it’s there to play for. We’ll give them competition and it’s one we’ll all look forward to, wherever they meet.”
