‘She looks top drawer’ purrs Willie Mullins after Rich Ricci’s ‘special’ new horse bolts up on debut
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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.
![[Willie Mullins loved what he saw from Sainte Lucie on debut]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/6c5da57f-173e-4ac5-a146-967cd56e75a1.jpg?strip=all&w=876)
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SIGN UP NOW. 18+ Ts and Cs apply. First month membership £1, then £3 per month unless you cancel at least 7 days before your next billing date. For more information contact help@thesun.co.uk. 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.
