John O'Riordan
Drinks are on We'llhavewan backers at Killarney
We llhavewan and Paul Townend win the International Hotel Handicap Hurdle Healy Racing
© Photo Healy Racing
We'llhavewan recorded a third success since joining Willie Mullins when staying on best to take the International Hotel Handicap Hurdle at Killarney.
A dual winner for Timothy Townend earlier in this career, the eight-year-old made a winning debut for the champion trainer over fences at Tipperary last summer. However, it was not until May of this year that the gelding managed to add to that tally when winning over hurdles at Ballinrobe.
On the back of two solid runs within the space of a couple of days at the Galway Festival, We'llhavewan was sent off an 8-11f in this reduced field.
Held up in rear by Paul Townend on the first circuit, the eventual winner made stylish headway leaving the back straight, before arriving full of running to take over two out.
Driven clear on the run to the last, We'llhavewan hung left before that final flight, momentarily giving the chasing Happy Jacky a chance. However, once Townend was able to correct his mount, he stayed on well to land the spoils.
Patrick Mullins said: "We bought the horse from Paul's father Tim (Townend) who also bred him and the horse came highly recommended. That's his third race to win for us and it is great for Simon (Wilson) and his wife who are here for the week.
"We have a mark over fences and we'll keep tipping away but without any grand plans. The further the better for him."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.