Saturday switch for Morgiana Hurdle

Mullins backs big-race move.

Willie Mullins has backed the decision to move the Unibet Morgiana Hurdle from Sunday to Saturday this year, after 11 entries were revealed for the Punchestown showpiece.

Mullins is looking to win the Grade One for the ninth year in a row. Thousand Stars began his monopoly in 2011, Hurricane Fly won it three years in a row before Nichols Canyon doubled up. Faugheen and Sharjah have won the last two.

Those races all took place on a Sunday, but at the request of the sponsors the race has been brought forward 24 hours, to November 16, due to the Unibet-sponsored Greatwood Hurdle taking place at Cheltenham on the Sunday.

“I’m sure running on Saturday may offer some good exposure for the race and for Punchestown, which can only be a positive,” said Mullins.

“Unibet have been good supporters of Irish racing and a change of day will certainly not affect the horses on what is a great weekend of racing.”

Mullins is responsible for six of the entries, including last season’s impressive Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner Klassical Dream.

He added: “The Unibet Morgiana Hurdle is our chosen starting point for the Grade One hurdlers and we have entered up a strong team. Klassical Dream would be one we like for this along with Benie Des Dieux, Sharjah, Saldier and Stratum.”

Saglawy is the other Mullins entry, while Gordon Elliott has entered prolific mare Apple’s Jade and 2017 Supreme hero Labaik.

Ptit Mouchoir, Effernock Fizz and Yaha Fizz complete the list.

Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.

Latest