WILLIE Mullins registered no fewer than 16 winners at last year’s Leopardstown and Limerick Christmas Festivals - including a six-timer from seven races on day two at the Co Dublin track - so another powerful onslaught can be expected this festive season.

The high-class ammunition gets rolling immediately on Tuesday at Leopardstown, headed up by Facile Vega in the Grade 1 Racing Post Novice Chase (2.20) - out to make it an impressive nine wins from 11 career starts.

Though not foot-perfect, it was a largely pleasing introduction to fences for the gelded son of Walk In The Park and Quevega when winning a beginners’ chase at the Navan Racing Festival last month. A rematch from that clash was on the cards here with Inthepocket, who was supplemented into this race at a cost of €10,000 during the week, but unfortunately that rival has since been ruled out due to a setback.

Ger O’Brien, of the Hammer & Trowel Syndicate, is pleased to be returning to a happy hunting ground with Facile Vega, having won two bumpers and the Future Champions Novice Hurdle at this track.

“He did what he had to do at Navan,” O’Brien told The Irish Field.

“I thought he was doing a bit of learning as he went around on his first start over fences that day and I hope it stands to him. If he went out and met every fence on a perfect stride you’d say ‘brilliant’, but he didn’t - and that meant he had to get himself organised. I liked that he could do that, it was a nice thing to see. We know he handles the track so it’ll be a case of fingers crossed that everything goes well on the day. Let the best horse win.”

Facile Vega heads to Leopardstown priced between 2/1 and 11/4 for the 2024 Sporting Life Arkle at Cheltenham, competing for favouritism with Marine Nationale, who is due to line up in Wednesday’s Paddy Power Beginners Chase over two miles and a furlong.