Red-letter day for Getaway

The outstanding Getabird (6g Getaway-Fern Bird, by Revoque) made all the running to win the G2 novice hurdle at Fairyhouse on Monday in style.

The son of Getaway came home 12 lengths of the field in the two-mile contest to register his second G2 win this year. Paul Townend was in the saddle.

Trainer Willie Mullins now has his eyes on a G1 target at the Punchestown Festival for the six-year-old.

“Paul was brave on him and said he was going to ride him like that,” said Mullins. “He enjoyed himself out in front with his ears pricked all the way. Hopefully he’ll go to Punchestown now.”

Getabird was bred by Pat Connell and also impressed Townend. “The race couldn't have worked out any better for him. He did everything right in front and he galloped right to the line,” said the jockey. “You couldn't knock him. He was very well behaved and was professional.”

Another Getaway gelding winning later in the afternoon is also destined for the Punchestown Festival.

Getaway John (5g Getaway-Present Your Own, by Presenting) took the concluding bumper with ease for trainer Gordon Elliott.

“He’s a smart horse and we like him a lot. He doesn’t do anything fancy but he gallops like hell and I think he’s a real nice horse,” said Elliott. “He could go to Punchestown now all being well.”

Getaway John was bred by Dan Mangan.