Final Demand delivered a flawless debut over fences at Navan, reinforcing the strength of Willie Mullins’ squad ahead of the Cheltenham Festival. The top-class novice hurdler dominated Wingmen by an emphatic 13 lengths, showcasing both style and stamina, and quickly became a leading contender for the Brown Advisory Novice Chase, now priced at 6-4.
The victory highlighted the natural jumping ability and composure of Final Demand, who carried himself effortlessly throughout the race. Concerns arose briefly when Wingmen appeared to close in approaching the third-last fence, but a well-timed push from jockey Paul Townend saw Final Demand regain momentum and pull away convincingly. Mullins praised the horse’s natural aptitude, describing his jumping as “fantastic” and noting his ability to maintain pace while still appearing relaxed.
This performance adds further depth to Mullins’ squad, already considered among the strongest in the country. With the Cheltenham Festival in mind, the team is steadily taking shape for several Grade One contests, with Final Demand emerging as a standout prospect.
Meanwhile, at Cheltenham, Joe Tizzard’s Alexei impressed by accelerating six lengths clear of the field in the Greatwood Handicap Hurdle. The German-bred horse had already claimed victory at Ascot earlier in the month, and this latest performance saw him receive attention as a potential future Champion Hurdle contender. Tizzard emphasized patience, stating that while the horse’s form is encouraging, his immediate focus remains on the upcoming races rather than long-term plans.
The end of the November meeting at Cheltenham also brought a festive atmosphere, with family-friendly events including a mascot race, providing a lively backdrop to the competitive highlights. Alongside the exciting novice performances, the day served as a reminder of the high-quality talent shaping up for next year’s festival, promising thrilling contests across both hurdles and fences.
Final Demand’s commanding debut over fences not only confirms his class but also positions him as a horse to watch at Cheltenham, with expectations high for a top-level performance in the Brown Advisory Novice Chase.
