Nichols Canyon checks in for Ryanair Hurdle
His now-retired former stablemate Hurricane Fly won four of the last five renewals of the Grade One among his incredible haul of top-level races but a new name will be etched on the trophy.
Despite only being five, Nichols Canyon has already proved himself as a hurdler out of the top drawer.
However, the Graham Wylie-owned gelding took his form to another level first time out this season when he defeated champion hurdler Faugheen in the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown.
“Nichols Canyon is improving all the time, he could be anything yet,” said Mullins.
“He’s got some great qualities - the way he jumps and battles - and his attitude in a race is very good.
“If we can keep him healthy, he’s a horse with a lot of ability.”
Windsor Park is a typical Dermot Weld jumper in that he also runs on the Flat to good effect.
Since winning the Neptune Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, he struck on the level at Galway but was well beaten in a premier handicap at Leopardstown.
Davy Russell maintains the partnership over jumps and said: “I’m looking forward to the ride.
“The ground is far from ideal for him but he needs to get out.”
Also in the line-up are Aidan O’Brien’s Plinth and Henry de Bromhead’s Fighting Fifth winner Identity Thief.
Meanwhile Gordon Elliott is looking forward to seeing No More Heroes tackle three miles for the first time over fences in the Neville Hotels Novice Chase.
The six-year-old has won both his starts over the bigger obstacles so far and created a big impression when landing the Grade One Drinmore Novice Chase at Fairyhouse by two and a half lengths from Monksland a month ago.
“He’s in good form. He won’t mind the ground or the step up in trip, so we’re looking forward to it,” said Elliott.
No More Heroes is one of three horses owned by Gigginstown House Stud in a field of four for this Grade One contest.
Trainer Mouse Morris admitted only putting in Rule The World because the race cut up.
“I only declared him because there were so few runners. That’s the only reason’s he’s declared, so we’ll let him take his chance,” he said.
“The horses are running well. He won’t mind the ground and he’s got plenty of experience.”
The third Gigginstown runner is Wrath Of Titans, trained by Sandra Hughes, who bids to bounce back from a poor run in the Grade Two Florida Pearl Novice Chase at Punchestown.
The fourth member of the line-up is Noel Meade’s Monksland, who will try to take his revenge on No More Heroes. He’s in great form, we’re very happy with him, so hopefully he can jump a good clean round,” said Meade.
“The only misgiving I have is the very heavy ground.”
