Dec 08,2024
Energumene makes his long-awaited return to action when he bids for a third success in the Hilly Way Chase at Cork on Sunday.
The Willie Mullins-trained 10-year-old claimed the Grade Two in both 2021 and 2022, but an injury saw him miss the whole of last season and he was last seen April 2023.
The winner of 12 of his 15 starts under rules, he is a dual Queen Mother Champion Chase hero at Cheltenham and a six-time Grade One victor for his owner, Brighton & Hove Albion chairman Tony Bloom.
He has been ample given time to overcome his earlier setback, but happily has found recovery to be straightforward ahead of his comeback at Cork.
"Obviously it's his first run back after a setback, but ever since he came back in off the grass in early August it’s been plain sailing," said Sean Graham, racing manager to Bloom.
"Touch wood there have been no signs of the injury reoccurring and Willie has been able to do the proper prep he needs to get him to the track and have a fighting chance on Sunday.
"Obviously he’ll be a bit ring-rusty but we’ve had no hold ups or setbacks, fingers crossed he’ll run well and come back safe and sound – that’s all we really care about.
"The thing about Energumene is he hasn’t been over-raced, he might be 10 years old but there aren’t that many miles on the clock.
"Including his point to point he’s only had 16 starts, for 10 going on 11 that’s not a lot and it’s not been because of injuries and problems, we’ve just looked after him.
"We’ve always looked after him and only run him in the right races at the right time of year, we’re going to keep our fingers crossed he gets home safe and sound and he is sound on Monday morning – that’s the most important thing."
An eight-strong field is also due to feature another star Mullins runner returning from the sidelines in the shape of Ferny Hollow, who is unbeaten over fences but has not run since February.
Paul Townend is scheduled to ride Energumene, with Patrick Mullins aboard Ferny Hollow.
