WILLIE MULLINS could barely hide his excitement after seeing Rich Ricci’s new horse bolt up on debut.
The multi-millionaire banker gave a strong mention of Sainte Lucie’s potential a few weeks ago.
And she lived up to the hype when scoring by 11 lengths in a 2m½f maiden hurdle at Punchestown on Tuesday.
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The four-year-old filly raced once in France, finishing third in the Prix Wild Monarch at Auteuil.
But it looks like Cheltenham Festival is on the agenda now after Paddy Power cut her to 16-1 from 33s for the Triumph following her impressive first win.
Sainte Lucie was sent off 8-11 fav under Paul Townend in the famous pink and green silks.
Getting weight from a number of rivals she took control before two out and extended her advantage easily in the end, looking ‘special’ in the eyes of several punters.
Ricci has won two of the past three Triumph Hurdles with Vauban in 2022 and Lossiemouth in 2023.
And Mullins gave every indication they see Sainte Lucie as the type to challenge for that race again.
The Closutton boss said: “Sainte Lucie looks one out of the top drawer.
“I love the way she went through that ground. I imagine we will be going to the top events with her.”
Ricci grouped Sainte Lucie in with two other horses he is excited about in the future when speaking on the Unbridled podcast.
He said: “Riskabahia is a horse we think a lot of! She’s doing everything right at home and I think she’ll be out soon. I think she’s quite promising.
“Sainte Lucie is a nice three-year-old and she’ll probably start around Christmas time. They’re two nice ones.
“I’ve also got Gaelic Warrior’s full brother.
“He’s not named yet but he’s four-years-old and you’ll see him in the Spring in a bumper probably.
“Willie was part of a group that owned him with a few others and they sold to me last year.
“He’s a gorgeous looking thing, we just need to come up with a name for him. He’s exciting I think.”
Ricci previously had the favourite for the Triumph in the shape of Willy De Houelle.
But two defeats have seen his odds skyrocket to 50-1.
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