Vic makes winning return

Off the track for 714 days, Killultagh Vic landed the Free Festival Upgrade Ticket Offer Hurdle, the highlight of the New Year’s Eve card in Punchestown, writes John Ryan

The eight-year-old jumped untidily but, suited by the race conditions, came through to challenge Diamond King and Ex Patriot going to the last before asserting on the run-in to score by two and three-quarter lengths, providing Willie Mullins and Paul Townend with a boost after a disappointing week.

“The engine is intact, but his hurdle jumping brain hasn’t changed much,” said Mullins.