Ballyburn owner excited by 'new journey' as superstar hurdler goes over fences

Ballyburn's part-owner is looking forward to a "new journey" with last season's outstanding novice hurdler after the six-year-old was declared for his highly anticipated chase debut at Punchestown on Saturday.

Trainer Willie Mullins had been mulling over his options for some time with the brilliant Ballyburn and has opted to send him over fences in the 2m3f beginners' chase, part of a high-quality card that will also feature a clash between State Man, Lossiemouth and Brighterdaysahead in the Morgiana Hurdle.

David Manasseh, who is co-founder of one of the UK's leading football agencies Stellar, owns the six-year-old in partnership with Ronnie Bartlett and the pair enjoyed an outstanding campaign last season when Ballyburn stormed to imperious Grade 1 victories at Leopardstown, Cheltenham and Punchestown.