Footpad proved the ace in Willie Mullins’s St Stephen’s Day pack with a superb Grade One success at Leopardstown. However having Footpad in reserve is the sort of reassurance most other trainers never experience: and having Footpad full-stop is the sort of good fortune even Mullins admits to relishing. Bookmakers weren’t long taking the hint and some slashed Footpad to 7-4 favourite for Cheltenham’s Arkle Trophy in March. Mullins doubled up in the final bumper when the 5-4 shot Blackbow made a winning debut. “He hasn’t missed any dance and has been busy but he’ll definitely get an entry back here [February’s Grade One Juvenile Hurdle].

Source: The Irish Times December 26, 2017 17:03 UTC