Final Demand poised to light up Limerick – but might not have it all his own way

Patrick Mullins is wary of a threat lurking close to home as he prepares to partner Final Demand for the first time in the Guinness 00 Faugheen Novice Chase at Limerick on Sunday.

While the eyes of many at Closutton will be on proceedings at Leopardstown and the yard’s dual Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Galopin Des Champs making his return in the Savills Chase, the record-breaking amateur is more than happy to instead be travelling to Limerick for a Grade One contest he won aboard the great Faugheen himself in 2019 and Gaelic Warrior two years ago.

Dual Grade One-winning hurdler Final Demand made a foot-perfect start to his career over fences at Navan last month, but with a couple of stablemates among his three rivals, Mullins is taking nothing for granted.

“It’s been a very lucky race for me and I’m delighted to be riding Final Demand, I’m really looking forward to it, can’t wait,” he said.

“He looked fantastic in Navan and Paul (Townend) was delighted with him, but I rode Jimmy Du Seuil to win his beginners’ chase (at Fairyhouse) and he was very good as well, so I’m not expecting it to be a cakewalk anyway.

“When Gaelic Warrior won this race he beat Il Etait Temps and when Faugheen won he beat Samcro, so it’s always very competitive.

“Final Demand is an exciting horse, but Jimmy Du Seuil has to be taken very seriously as well.”

On giving his son the ride on the red-hot favourite, Willie Mullins said: “Obviously at this time of year there’s lots of race meetings on, but it’s been a very lucky meeting for Patrick winning on Gaelic Warrior and Faugheen – he’s the go-to rider down there!

“I’m looking forward to Final Demand and everything has gone well with him since Navan. I’m also looking forward to Jimmy Du Seuil, who is not a back number by any means. Hopefully the two of them get on well and go close.

“It’s going to be a good race.”

In an interesting sub-plot Danny Mullins partners Jimmy Du Seuil, with Patrick Mullins having memorably vented his frustration at his younger cousin after he and Gaelic Warrior beat Danny and Il Etait Temps in this race in 2023.

John Shinnick will ride the other Mullins-trained runner, Gold Dancer, with Jonathan Sweeney’s Western Walk completing the quartet.