Classic Getaway is set to make his hurdles bow for Willie Mullins at Clonmel on Thursday.
The six-year-old was purchased for a record-equalling £570,000 by bloodstock agent Tom Malone and trainer Gordon Elliott after winning his sole point-to-point at Borris House in late 2020.
But he was one of a number of horses removed from Elliott's yard by owners Cheveley Park Stud after a photo emerged of the Meath handler sitting on top of a dead horse last March.
The £570,000 sum equalled the amount JP McManus paid for Jonbon - a full brother to Douvan who is the favourite for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival after winning his first three starts for Nicky Henderson. It was the highest amount ever paid for a point-to-point horse.
Classic Getaway had one bumper start for Mullins last May when he pulled 15 lengths clear to win under the trainer's son Patrick at Tipperary.
He is scheduled to run in the 2m4f Munster Hurdle at Clonmel and will be partnered by Paul Townend.
The son of Getaway is a general 14/1 chance for the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham, while he is generally 16/1 for the longer Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle at the Festival.
Speaking on Classic Getaway during a stable tour in November, Mullins said: "He was hugely impressive when winning on his first start for us at Tipperary. Patrick came in and said to me that he never came out of third gear."
Speaking after that Tipperary success, Cheveley Park’s managing director Chris Richardson commented: “He’s such a good-looking horse with a lovely classic head and lovely long ears.
“Patrick was very happy with him. He gave him a nice introduction, and we can look forward to next season.
“He didn’t really know what to do in the final stages of the race, and I’m sure he’ll learn a lot from that.”
Five horses in total are declared for the Munster Hurdle, with Mullins also represented by Cash Back, while Elliott runs Wexford winner Rodaniche.
The field is completed by recent course and distance victor Gordon Dai Dai for Liam Burke and the Joseph O'Brien-trained Uhtred, who was sent off favourite when falling at Limerick on St Stephen's Day.
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