Fact sights set on a Gold Cup

Mullins has adored Fact To File since the moment he first laid eyes on him and was understandably thrilled to see him deliver.

Groom Georgia Fennel celebrates with Fact To File after the race. Pic: Tom Maher, Inpho

There were two buzz horses on the Cheltenham preview night circuit and 45 minutes after the Willie Mullins-trained Ballyburn confirmed his status as the top novice hurdler in training, stablemate Fact To File put down a marker for next year’s Gold Cup with a classy display in the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase.

Settled towards the back in the hands of Mark Walsh, last year’s Champion Bumper runner-up cruised through the race before moving into contention on the run to the home turn.