THURLES, Ireland – Bon Viveur, a six-year-old gelding trained by Willie Mullins, secured a victory in the , 2026 Boyle Sports Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle (Grade 3) at Thurles Racecourse. The unexpected win, highlighted by Racing TV, saw the horse outperform favored contenders in a race characterized by soft to heavy ground.
Ridden by Paul Townend, Bon Viveur completed the 2m 4f 175y course in 6m 3.80s, overcoming a field of four runners. The victory marks a notable performance for Mullins, who rarely sees his horses at such odds succeed. Bon Viveur had shown promise earlier in his career, finishing third in a bumper with depth on debut and winning his hurdles debut at Tramore in November. However, a less convincing performance at Navan last month raised questions about his form.
Despite those concerns, the step up in trip appeared to suit Bon Viveur, and Townend’s ride capitalized on the challenging conditions. The horse’s breeding also suggested an aptitude for the longer distance and softer ground, factors that ultimately contributed to the win. Mullins’ stable is known for its ability to prepare horses for specific conditions, and this race proved no exception.
Heading into the race, Timeless Treaty, trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Jack Kennedy, was considered a strong favorite. The six-year-old had demonstrated significant improvement in form, particularly in a recent decisive win at C&D (course and distance) a fortnight prior. Kennedy’s selection to ride Timeless Treaty further underscored the horse’s perceived chances. However, Timeless Treaty ultimately finished behind Bon Viveur, failing to replicate its previous success.
Open Secret, another contender trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Jordan Gainford, also presented a compelling case. The five-year-old had a background as a fairly useful Flat winner and had progressed steadily over hurdles. A commanding win at Naas and a respectable fourth-place finish in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham on Trials Day suggested Open Secret could be a serious threat. The form from Cheltenham was considered the strongest in the field, leading many to believe Open Secret could take the top prize.
Parnell Street, trained by A. Slattery and ridden by Cian Quirke, completed the quartet of runners. Having secured a win at Clonmel in December and consistently demonstrating consistency, Parnell Street was a contender, though ultimately unable to match the pace set by the leading horses. A second-place finish at Punchestown in its most recent outing indicated potential, but the horse struggled to settle and keep pace with the winner.
The race conditions – soft to heavy turf – played a significant role in the outcome. Bon Viveur’s ability to cope with the testing ground proved crucial, while other horses may have been hampered by the challenging surface. The conditions favored horses with stamina and a proven track record in similar environments, qualities that Bon Viveur clearly possessed.
The Boyle Sports Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle is a Grade 3 race for five-year-olds and older, offering a valuable opportunity for young horses to gain experience and demonstrate their potential. The race is known for attracting promising novice hurdlers, and this year’s edition was no exception, showcasing a competitive field of up-and-coming talents.
The result at Thurles adds another success to Willie Mullins’ impressive record as a trainer. Mullins consistently produces top-class horses, and Bon Viveur’s victory further solidifies his reputation for identifying and developing talent. The win also highlights the importance of jockey selection and the ability to adapt to challenging race conditions.
Looking ahead, the performances of these horses will be closely monitored as they progress through the season. Timeless Treaty and Open Secret, despite their defeat in this race, remain promising prospects with the potential to compete at a higher level. Bon Viveur’s victory will undoubtedly boost its confidence and open up new opportunities for future races.
The Thurles racecard, as detailed by Timeform, included races starting from and concluding at , with the Boyle Sports Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle taking place at . The event drew attention from racing enthusiasts and professionals alike, eager to witness the next generation of hurdle stars.
