Paul Townend is 'very excited' about partnering Facile Vega for the first time this weekend.
The five-year-old, who won all four of his bumper stars last season – including at the Cheltenham and Punchestown festivals - makes his debut over hurdles at Fairyhouse on Saturday.
The Willie Mullins-trained son of superstar mare Quevega is set to face 17 rivals in Division 2 of the Fingal Ravens Raceday Maiden Hurdle over two miles.
READ MORE: Robbie Power firmly in Honeysuckle's camp as he discusses possible clash with Constitution Hill
Among the opposition, Gordon Elliott appears to have two live candidates in An Mhi (Davy Russell) and Smooth Player (Jack Kennedy), with Arctic Bresil representing Henry de Bromhead and Rachael Blackmore.
But Townend is clearly excited about the season ahead for Facile Vega, exclusively telling Ladbrokes: "He is obviously the horse I am really looking forward to riding this weekend. What can I say about him that he hasn’t said about himself already? Probably not a lot. Hopefully he keeps going!
"I am just really excited to get him on the track. His schooling has been good and this looks a nice opportunity for him. To see him declared and my name alongside him for his first run this year is very exciting. He is obviously the horse I will put forward as my best ride of the day."
It will be the first time Townend has ridden Facile Vega on the racecourse, as Patrick Mullins has done the steering in his bumpers.
READ NEXT:
George Hamilton blasts World Cup VAR implementation and says ball was out of play for Japan goal
Robbie Power firmly in Honeysuckle's camp as he discusses possible clash with Constitution Hill
Irishman's gruelling journey to Qatar before 'Je suis une baguette' viral video
Teen from same golf club as Rory McIlroy records hole in one on DP World Tour
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
