Tag Archive for: Impaire Et Passe

Possible Scilly Isles option not ruled out for Impaire Et Passe

Impaire Et Passe is “ready to roll” next weekend, with Sandown’s Virgin Bet Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase entering the equation as a possible alternative to the Dublin Racing Festival.

A winner of nine of his 12 starts, Willie Mullins’ seven-year-old rediscovered the form that saw him score at the Cheltenham Festival in his novice hurdling days when winning hot races at both Aintree and Sandown in the spring last season.

He has continued to thrive since switching to the larger obstacles this term, following up a bloodless chasing bow at Fairyhouse by striking at the highest level at Limerick over Christmas.

Connections have been delighted by his smooth transition between disciplines and are now eyeing further Grade One success at either Leopardstown next Sunday in the Ladbrokes Novice or in Esher a day earlier.

“He’s entered at the Dublin Racing Festival but we might just give him an entry for the Scilly Isles at Sandown, just to give him another option,” said Anthony Bromley, racing manager to owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede.

“I imagine Willie will stay on home soil, he has five or six in the race and I imagine he will run all of them. He’s got the likes of Ballyburn, Champ Kiely and others in there.

“The entry for Sandown would just give us another option though, then we can have a think about it and decide through the week. He’s ready to roll.”

Bromley added: “I’ve been pleased how he’s been switching off in his races and he’s seeing them out well. He’s been finishing off much better than he ever did over hurdles last season and I think he’s a healthier horse this year – we’re excited to see him out again.”

El Fabiolo has won twice at the Dublin Racing Festival
El Fabiolo has won twice at the Dublin Racing Festival (Niall Carson/PA)

Another of Munir and Souede’s ‘double green’ big guns is El Fabiolo, who has seen his season held up by a training setback but holds an entry for the Ladbrokes Dublin Chase.

However, a defence of the trophy he won at Leopardstown’s popular two-day meeting last year could come too soon for the eight-year-old, who has not been seen since finishing second in a clash with Jonbon at Sandown last April.

“I’m not getting quite the vibe he is going to run, he might be confirmed on Monday or Tuesday and then it all might depend on his next pieces of work,” continued Bromley.

“He’s getting closer to a run, but whether it will be at the Dublin Racing Festival, I’m not quite sure.”

El Fabiolo on the gallops at Closutton
El Fabiolo on the gallops at Closutton (Niall Carson/PA)

Although a winner of the Arkle in 2023, El Fabiolo was a beaten favourite in the Champion Chase at last year’s Cheltenham Festival before also suffering the later reversal at the hands of Jonbon, which leaves connections toying with the idea of stepping up in trip at some stage in the near future.

Bromley added: “I think going up in trip might give him chance to jump a bit better and certainly at Sandown at the end of last season, two miles was putting him on his head a little bit, so I do think we need to think about going up in distance.

“I think for his first run of the season he will stick at two miles because he could be a bit free and he is a quite a bit of puller. We will see, but I do think we’ll try stepping him up at some stage.”

It has of course been a season of slight change for the Munir and Souede team with long-time retained jockey Daryl Jacob retiring and J J Slevin taking over the role.

J J Slevin is now the retained rider for owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede
J J Slevin is now the retained rider for owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede (Adam Davy/PA)

Slevin is no stranger to donning the colours of Munir and Souede having guided Intense Raffles to Irish Grand National glory last year, but the owners have been delighted by the fast start he has made to the job in an official capacity.

“It’s been a very smooth transition from Daryl to J J,” said Bromley.

“He had already ridden quite a lot of winners for us anyway, but he has hit the ground running and the horses are running well. He’s already been in the winner’s enclosure at least four or five times since the announcement.

“It’s been seamless and a good marriage so far.”



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Daryl Jacob announces final ride following Impaire Et Passe success

Daryl Jacob guided Impaire Et Passe to a fine win in the Guinness 00 Faugheen Novice Chase at Limerick – and quickly announced he would retire from the saddle at Leopardstown on Sunday.

The 41-year-old jockey was riding for his long-standing retained owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede in the Grade One feature, and enjoyed a four-length victory aboard the Willie Mullins-trained 8-13 favourite.

The success followed a testing time for Jacob, who has had a lengthy injury-enforced absence to overcome, and after adding the title to a CV that includes the Grand National with Neptune Collonges, he said his sole ride on the final day of Leopardstown’s Christmas meeting would be his last.

He told Sportinglife.com: “It’s the right decision at the right time. I’ve worked very hard to get back from injury this season and I knew I had some good opportunities this Christmas, including in the Grade One.

“To ride Impaire Et Passe there to win the Grade One, it will be very difficult to beat that now and finishing at Leopardstown, where I won my first Grade One, feels right.

“I’ve always wanted to retire on my terms, riding good horses, and Impaire Et Passe has been one of our best horses. He’s very special to me.”

Impaire Et Passe, three times a top-level winner over hurdles, had already won his chasing debut by 12 lengths at Fairyhouse in November.

Among a field of seven he was ridden patiently and always looked settled, making good progress throughout before laying down a challenge in the closing stages and sealing the victory with a good jump at the last.

The winning margin – the first at Grade One level for Mullins this Christmas – was four lengths on the line, with the Joseph O’Brien-trained Jordans the runner-up.

Jacob said of his winner: “He was very good, he really picked up from the back of the second-last and was good, brave and long at the last.

“I’ve always said it that two miles racing against State Man and the likes was always going to be too sharp and it was proven in the Aintree Hurdle. Please God he comes out of this well and is an exciting horse for the ‘double green’ for the rest of the season.”

He added of his recent injury troubles: “I’m not going to lie, it has been a very frustrating spell for me and has been hard work. I knew I had one or two good rides coming into the Christmas period so wanted to get back for it.

“Obviously Simon and Isaac have been an integral part of my career for the last 11 years, that is a long time and we have a massive association.

“The are like brothers to me so I owe my whole life to them and also to Robert and Sally Alner as well. This is very, very special.”



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Impaire Et Passe impresses in ‘special’ Limerick victory for Jacob

Impaire Et Passe took a significant step in his early career over fences with a fine win in the Guinness 00 Faugheen Novice Chase at Limerick.

Ridden by Daryl Jacob for trainer Willie Mullins and owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, the six-year-old – three times a top-level winner over hurdles – was the 8-13 favourite for the Grade One contest, having won his chasing debut by 12 lengths at Fairyhouse in November.

Among a field of seven he was ridden patiently and always looked settled, making good progress throughout before laying down a challenge in the closing stages and sealing the victory with a good jump at the last.

The winning margin – the first at Grade One level for Mullins this Christmas – was four lengths on the line, with the Joseph O’Brien-trained Jordans the runner-up.

Jacob said: “He was very good, he really picked up from the back of the second-last and was good, brave and long at the last.

“I’ve always said it that two miles racing against State Man and the likes was always going to be too sharp and it was proven in the Aintree Hurdle. Please God he comes out of this well and is an exciting horse for the ‘double green’ for the rest of the season.”

He added of his recent injury troubles: “I’m not going to lie, it has been a very frustrating spell for me and has been hard work. I knew I had one or two good rides coming into the Christmas period so wanted to get back for it and whatever happens now, I’ve got a Grade One.

“Obviously Simon and Isaac have been an integral part of my career for the last 11 years, that is a long time and we have a massive association.

“The are like brothers to me so I owe my whole life to them and also to Robert and Sally Alner as well. This is very very special.”



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‘Mustard’ Impaire Et Passe delights on Fairyhouse fencing bow

Impaire Et Passe got the job done smoothly enough on his debut over fences when justifying odds of 2-13 in the SIS Beginners Chase at Fairyhouse.

A multiple Grade One winner over smaller obstacles, including a Ballymore victory at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival and this year’s Aintree Hurdle, he was made to work a bit by stablemate O’Moore Park and Twoohthree.

However, the Willie Mullins-trained six-year-old responded well when asked to quicken up by Paul Townend and had already taken control of proceedings when that pair both fell at the last, leaving Impaire Et Passe to come home 12 lengths clear of Staffordshire Knot.

“He was class. He jumped brilliant, he got a bit lackadaisical in the middle of it but when I opened him up at the back of the second-last, he took off,” said Townend.

“He had a great jump at the last and did everything I wanted him to do. He stood off when I wanted him and was good at getting in. I’m very happy.

“He was quick over the first couple and popped away when I wanted him then. When I lit him up at the back of the second-last, he took off.

“He went to sleep on me after jumping the two out of Ballyhack and I was happy enough not to light him up that far out.

“I was hoping when I did he would come alive and he did – mustard.”

Mullins and Townend were also on the mark in the Kettles Country House Hotel Supporting Fingal Ravens GFC Raceday Maiden Hurdle with 3-1 scorer Ballygunner Castle.

Ballygunner Castle after winning at Fairyhouse
Ballygunner Castle after winning at Fairyhouse (Gary Carson/PA)

The five-year-old had won two bumpers in the spring at Limerick and Tipperary and returned to action with a determined triumph, overcoming being hampered by a loose horse in the home straight to beat Special Cadeau by a length and a quarter.

“He had to overcome plenty from very early. He got a good bump at the start and I nearly fell off him at the first,” said Townend.

“I had to ride him on then and I made him do plenty throughout the race. There were no hiding places and it was messy up the straight, but he still pulled out again. It’s the sign of a good one.

“He will relax better, I had him lit up to take on his hurdles early today because of what happened at the first. He’ll be fine, he’s learning on the job.

“The horse inside me wasn’t quick away from the last either, but still to do all that wrong and pull another bit was a fair performance.”

Former Cheltenham and Punchestown Champion Bumper winner A Dream To Share was two and a half lengths back in fifth.

Henry de Bromhead landed the Listed-class EasyFix Equine Handicap Chase with 8-1 shot The Folkes Tiara on his seasonal debut.

There were six in a line jumping the final fence, but Brian Hayes got the most out of his mount on the run-in and he beat The King Of Prs by three-quarters of a length.

“That was great. He had lost his form a little bit and it’s great to see him back. Brian was brilliant on him,” said De Bromhead.

“He jumped unreal. Brian said he thought he was beaten coming to the last and he said the leap he put in there was brilliant and he winged it.

“He won at Leopardstown (at Christmas) last year and he’ll be a couple of pounds higher now but it’s a very valuable pot. We’re delighted to win today, though.”

Stablemate Sam Magee took the Race And Stay Ladies Handicap Chase at 6-1 under Georgie Benson.



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Impaire Et Passe too good for old rival Langer Dan

Impaire Et Passe confirmed Aintree placings with Langer Dan in the bet365 Select Hurdle at Sandown.

He won with a degree of authority this time but at the Grand National meeting, Willie Mullins’ six-year-old finished a nose and a neck in front of Dan Skelton’s dual Coral Cup winner.

That did not tell the full story as with Bob Olinger also involved, the three came very close together which forced the stewards to have a look, with many believing Impaire Et Passe was lucky to keep the race.

This time around Paul Townend always looked confident on the 4-5 favourite and as he cruised into contention, his biggest threat looked likely to come from stablemate Sir Gerhard.

Harry Skelton had nursed Langer Dan to within striking distance, however, but he was still a couple of lengths down when he landed on all fours after jumping the last, losing his momentum and eventually going down by two and a quarter lengths, with four lengths back to Sir Gerhard.

“He’s improving for his little break over Cheltenham and that is probably him for the season now,” said Mullins.

“He will probably go novice chasing next season, but he’s back to himself and that was a very good performance.

“I think he will make a nice chaser and I was going to go chasing with him this season. Simon (Munir) and Isaac (Souede) were happy to stay hurdling and at least it has now paid off. It didn’t look like it earlier in the season, but now it has.

Impaire Et Passe pulled away to win well
Impaire Et Passe pulled away to win well (John Walton/PA)

“I think moving up in trip has been a big help to him.”

Townend said: “He did things right and going right-handed suited him. He went to sleep and I was just hoping he would come alive when I wanted him and he did.

“He is a lightly-raced horse and is not a flashy horse at home. He wasn’t flashy before his maiden hurdle and surprised us and he keeps it for the track where it matters most.”



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Impaire Et Passe pips Bob Olinger and survives inquiry

Impaire Et Passe had to survive a lengthy stewards’ inquiry before being declared the winner of the William Hill Aintree Hurdle.

Willie Mullins’ evens favourite rounded the final bend on the bridle but did not run straight to the line as both Langer Dan and Bob Olinger threw down their challenges in what was a thrilling finish to the Grade One contest.

Impaire Et Passe appeared to cross Langer Dan’s path after the last, while Bob Olinger also seemed to drift inwards on the run to the line, leaving Langer Dan sandwiched between them.

The judge was required to split the trio as they crossed the line, with Impaire Et Passe coming home a nose in front of Bob Olinger, with Langer Dan a further short head back in third.

A stewards’ inquiry was soon called, but Impaire Et Passe was eventually confirmed the victor for jockey Paul Townend, much to Mullins’ delight.

He said: “It was a long wait but I was pretty confident we’d keep it once I’d seen the overhead angle, I thought that gave us a great chance.

“When Paul and Harry (Skelton on Langer Dan) crossed after the last hurdle there was never any interference and I thought it would be hard to change it.

“On balance it was a hard result to change as Paul thought he was idling in front, which is a legitimate excuse. It will be interesting to hear how it went in there.

“This season hasn’t gone to plan so to get him back to win a Grade One and a race of this magnitude is pleasing but one thing I have to say is Rachael (Blackmore on Bob Olinger) probably gave hers the ride of the race, even though she didn’t win.

“He could go to Punchestown or we might think about France.”

Trainer Henry de Bromhead was pleased with Bob Olinger’s run, although he felt his charge had been unfortunate in defeat.

Impaire Et Passe was eventually declared the winner
Impaire Et Passe was eventually declared the winner (Bradley Collyer/PA)

He said: “He’s been brilliant all season and I’m delighted with the way he’s run today, it’s just a shame not to win but there we go.

“I thought we were unlucky to be fair, he got bumped at the second-last, crossed at the last and bumped after the last, but that’s the way the stewards looked at it and we just have to accept that.

“He ran a huge race and it’s brilliant to have him back. I would say it’s unlikely he’ll run at Punchestown, he has an entry so we’ll see, but that was a tough race.”

Dan Skelton was disappointed to see Langer Dan narrowly beaten on what was his first crack at top-level company.

He said: “I’m just gutted that he got beat, I want to to win on merit.

“We were coming to beat Impaire Et Passe and Bob Olinger was coming to beat us was how I felt. That’s sport, that’s life, we finished third and we’ll have another go another day.”



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Impaire Et Passe set for Aintree after being taken out of Cheltenham engagements

Impaire Et Passe looks set to head straight to the Aintree Hurdle in April after being scratched from both the Champion Hurdle and the Stayers’ Hurdle at next month’s Cheltenham Festival.

The Willie Mullins-trained six-year-old was considered one of the most exciting horses in training following an unbeaten novice campaign that saw him land the Ballymore at Cheltenham and a Grade One at Punchestown, but he has suffered defeat in each of his three outings so far this term.

He was touched off by leading Stayers’ Hurdle contender Teahupoo on his reappearance in the two-and-a-half-mile Hatton’s Grace and has since proved no match for his Champion Hurdle-bound stablemate State Man in either the Matheson Hurdle or the Irish Champion Hurdle over two miles at Leopardstown.

With connections of the opinion he requires a step back up in distance but that a first foray over three miles in the Stayers’ Hurdle would be a step too far, Impaire Et Passe will not be in action at the showpiece meeting in the Cotswolds in five weeks’ time.

Anthony Bromley, racing manager for owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, said: “The feeling after Daryl (Jacob) rode him the other day was that we need to keep him to two and a half miles and there isn’t a two-and-a-half-mile race at Cheltenham. We’ll wait for Aintree and see if we can get him sparkling again.

“We don’t feel he’s reached the form that he was showing last year, so the idea is to wait for Aintree and if he’s not sparkling going into Aintree we’ll just wait for novice chasing next season.

“We can’t see either race at Cheltenham being what needs at this moment. Two miles looks too short and we don’t want to go three miles at this stage.

“Daryl was adamant to go two and a half at Aintree and freshen him up for that.”

Impaire Et Passe is one of four horses scratched from the Champion Hurdle along with his stable companion Vauban, James Owen’s high-class juvenile Burdett Road and the Henry de Bromhead-trained Bob Olinger, who also appears bound for Aintree after splitting State Man and Impaire Et Passe when second in the Irish Champion Hurdle on Sunday.

Seven have been taken out of the Stayers’ Hurdle, with Ahoy Senor and Ashdale Bob among those joining Impaire Et Passe as absentees.

Dual winner Allaho tops six horses scratched from the Ryanair Chase along with Dysart Dynamo, Idas Boy, Jonbon, Sir Gerhard and Greaneteen.

Dysart Dynamo and Greaneteen are also out of the Queen Mother Champion Chase, as are Dinoblue, Fil Dor and Nube Negra, while the Cheltenham Gold Cup field has also reduced by four, with Envoi Allen, Royale Pagaille, Stay Away Fay and the fatally injured Datsalrightgino all withdrawn.



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Jacob full of hope teaming up with Impaire Et Passe for the first time

Daryl Jacob is extremely excited to be given the opportunity to ride Impaire Et Passe in the Matheson Hurdle at Leopardstown on Friday.

Only four are due to go to post in the two-mile Grade One, and three of those are trained by Willie Mullins.

It is an event Mullins has farmed in recent years – since 2010 he has won all bar three renewals, with Hurricane Fly and Sharjah winning four apiece.

Last year the champion trainer was successful with State Man and he lines up once more as the choice of Paul Townend.

That meant the ride on last year’s hugely impressive Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle winner Impaire Et Passe was free and as retained rider to owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede in the UK, Jacob was in pole position.

Daryl Jacob gets into the festive spirit after a winner at Leopardstown on Wednesday
Daryl Jacob gets into the festive spirit after a winner at Leopardstown on Wednesday (Niall Carson/PA)

Impaire Et Passe lost his unbeaten record on his seasonal return in the Hatton’s Grace, and Mullins has taken the decision to drop him in trip to two miles. But Jacob feels the testing ground will make it more of a stamina test.

“I’m very much looking forward to riding him. He’s a very exciting horse for Simon and Isaac and everyone and this is another step on the ladder for him,” said Jacob.

“He’s racing over two miles for the first time in a while, but I’ve been in Ireland all week and there has been a lot of rain.

“The hurdle course on Wednesday went soft then heavy, but he has handled that sort of ground, he’s won over further and he has got speed.

“He’s a hugely exciting horse and I’m very grateful for the opportunity, I can’t wait to ride him.

“I rode him out on Thursday morning, he seems in really good form and I really don’t see the ground being an issue at all.”

Jacob has enjoyed a particularly fruitful spell of late and is operating at a strike-rate of over 40 per cent for the past two weeks, and he would love to top it off with a Grade One.

“I’ve had a nice few winners of late, but a Grade One win before the new year would be lovely,” he said.

Understandably given his choice, Townend feels State Man sets the standard given the only horse who has finished in front of him when he has completed since joining Mullins is Constitution Hill.

State Man was impressive in the Matheson Hurdle last year
State Man was impressive in the Matheson Hurdle last year (Niall Carson/PA)

He told his Ladbrokes blog: “He seems to set the standard this side of the water. His only defeat was by Constitution Hill last year. It’s interesting he’s being taken on by Impaire Et Passe.

“I thought Impaire Et Passe ran with a lot of credit in the Hatton’s Grace in Fairyhouse. He has a run under his belt and State Man won the Morgiana.

“It’s a big test, but State Man played at the top table all last season and sets the standard. The pair are sure to make a good race of it.”

Mullins also runs the mare Echoes In Rain, while Gordon Elliott’s Fils D’oudairies is the only other contender.



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Impaire Et Passe team taking plenty of positives from return

Connections of Impaire Et Passe insist there were “a lot of positives” to take from his comeback defeat in the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse.

The Willie Mullins-trained five-year-old was one of the star novices of last season, carrying the ‘double green’ colours of owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede to four victories, including Grade One triumphs at the Cheltenham and Punchestown festivals.

With some bookmakers rating him as the biggest threat to Constitution Hill for the Champion Hurdle this term, Impaire Et Passe was odds-on to pick up where he left off on Sunday, but after travelling strongly in the hands of Paul Townend, he was mowed down by the defending champion Teahupoo.

While disappointed to suffer defeat, the owners’ racing manager Anthony Bromley is keeping the faith.

“I was perfectly happy with Impaire’s return, he took a good blow and just got done close home. I think he showed plenty and we’ll look forward to the season ahead,” he said.

“It was his first step outside of novice company and I think he performed with a lot of credit. He’s such a lovely horse and there were a lot of positives to take from the run.”

What route Impaire Et Passe takes to the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham remains undecided, with Mullins also responsible for another major player in the form of State Man.

Impaire Et Passe may have to meet State Man (pictured) on his next start
Impaire Et Passe may have to meet State Man (pictured) on his next start (Brian Lawless/PA)

The latter won the Morgiana Hurdle, the Matheson Hurdle, the Irish Champion Hurdle and the Punchestown Champion Hurdle last term, with his only defeat coming at the hands of Constitution Hill when runner-up at Prestbury Park.

State Man made a successful reappearance when registering back-to-back wins in the Morgiana last month, and Bromley believes there is every chance Impaire Et Passe will meet his stablemate at some stage before Cheltenham in March.

He added: “Whether he comes out again at Christmas or waits for the Dublin Racing Festival (Irish Champion Hurdle), we’ll just wait and see what Willie wants to do.

“I’d imagine he’s going to come back to two miles now because there’s isn’t a two-and-a-half-mile race at Christmas in Ireland – it’s either two miles or three miles.

“Whether or not he does run in the Matheson Hurdle will be Willie’s decision as he’d obviously be taking on State Man, but if he doesn’t take him on at Christmas he’d be taking him on at the Dublin Festival and that will tell us more as to where we are with the horse.

“There aren’t the races in Ireland to split them up, the only time you could was for their reappearance runs as one could go Morgiana and one could go Hatton’s Grace.

“From now on they’ll have to meet and then, come March, there’s another one for us to meet (Constitution Hill)!”

A possible alternative to locking horns with State Man over the festive period would be to make the trip to Britain for an early clash with Constitution Hill in the Christmas Hurdle on Boxing Day, but that appears highly unlikely, with Bromley saying a trip to Kempton was of “no interest at all”.



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Teahupoo outbattles Impaire Et Passe in Hatton’s Grace

Teahupoo proved too game for hot favourite Impaire Et Passe as he completed back-to-back wins in the Bar One Racing Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse.

Gordon Elliott’s charge ended the long unbeaten run of Honeysuckle in the Grade One contest last year and this time it was Willie Mullins’ Impaire Et Passe who had his bubble burst.

Sent off the 4-5 favourite, Impaire Et Passe was looking to pick up where he left off last term with top-level successes at both the Cheltenham and Punchestown Festivals and he appeared to be travelling supremely well as they turned for home.

Pacemaker Zanahiyr dropped out in the straight, leaving Paul Townend to go for home on the market leader – but Teahupoo had other ideas.

Teahupoo (right) was too good for Impaire Et Passe
Teahupoo (right) was too good for Impaire Et Passe (Brian Lawless/PA)

The pair were neck and neck on the approach to the final flight but it was Teahupoo who kept finding for pressure on the run to the line, with Jack Kennedy’s mount registering a length success at odds of 85-40.

Teahupoo finished a close third in the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham last term and Betfair go 4-1 from 6s about him for that race, while Impaire Et Passe is out to 8-1 from 11-2 for the Champion Hurdle following the first defeat of his career.

A Cheltenham return in March is now top of Elliott’s agenda, with the trainer planning a direct route for Teahupoo this time.

Gordon Elliott greets Teahupoo and Jack Kennedy
Gordon Elliott greets Teahupoo and Jack Kennedy (Brian Lawless/PA)

He said: “We knew he was in good nick but obviously Willie’s horse was going to be hard to beat over two and a half miles and we know our lad wants three.

“Jack gave him a wonderful ride and was very clever on him, squeezed him along and said he was going to have one go at him between the last two.

“The horse has got a lot stronger. He’s only a young horse and didn’t do much wrong last year.

“We are going to do things a bit different this year and the plan is to go straight for the Stayers’ Hurdle now.

“We might have knocked the edge off him in Gowran last year.”

Owner Brian Acheson, in whose Robcour colours Teahupoo runs, added: “The key to this horse, like Bob Olinger, is Robbie Power. He takes a lot of the horses during the summer and does a bit of dressage.

“Everything is for the welfare of the horses to get them physically in good condition and mechanically working well.

“Bob Olinger is not going for the Stayers’ as he doesn’t stay three miles, but he might go to Aintree and take on Constitution Hill.”

Kennedy is now the most successful rider in the history of the race, having also won back-to-back renewals with Apple’s Jade in 2017 and 2018.

Teahupoo (right) is on course for Cheltenham  now
Teahupoo (right) is on course for Cheltenham now (Brian Lawless/PA)

He said: “I think he’s after improving from last year, he seems a stronger horse. That was very good there and I’m delighted with him.

“He’s a pleasure to ride. Paul (Townend’s) lad looked to be on it a bit and I was kind of pushing him along a bit trying to make him do as much as he could.

“This lad was very good, he was tough and did it well in the end.

“I enjoy riding this lad. Obviously, he gave me a great day here last year as well, so it’s brilliant for him to back it up again this year.

“Hopefully, it’s onwards and upwards.”



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Hatton’s Grace ‘obvious starting point’ for Impaire Et Passe

The unbeaten Impaire Et Passe will bid to showcase his Champion Hurdle credentials in the Bar One Racing Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse on Sunday.

Arguably the star of Willie Mullins’ band of novices over hurdles last term, the exciting five-year-old confirmed the promise of his smooth Moscow Flyer success when striking with authority at both the Cheltenham and Punchestown Festivals in the spring.

He is now a warm order to make a smooth transition to open company and provide his trainer with another contender to take on Constitution Hill back at Prestbury Park in March.

However, there may be a few nerves at Closutton ahead of their hot hurdling prospect’s reappearance, having seen Gold Cup hero Galopin Des Champs beaten on his return last weekend.

“Impaire Et Passe obviously won over two and a half in Cheltenham and the Hatton’s Grace was the obvious starting point,” said Patrick Mullins, assistant to his father.

“Stepping out of novice company is always difficult, but what he did to Gaelic Warrior and Champ Kiely in Cheltenham was a huge performance.

“We’ll be disappointed if he got beaten, but Galopin Des Champs got beaten last weekend.”

Impaire Et Passe is joined in the line-up by stablemate Ashroe Diamond, who has won her last two, both here at Fairyhouse, and secured Grade One honours over track and trip in her final outing of last term.

Ashroe Diamond has some brilliant course form at Fairyhouse
Ashroe Diamond has some brilliant course form at Fairyhouse (Nigel French/PA)

“Ashroe Diamond will run very well, with a view to going for the Mares’ Hurdle later in the year,” continued Mullins, who will enjoy steering duties aboard the likeable six-year-old.

“My mother bred her, she’s won in Aintree for the owners and won a Grade One in Fairyhouse.

“I thought her two runs behind Facile Vega and Marine Nationale last year were the two best runs by a mare last year. She’s a long way out on ratings (on Sunday), but I think when she drops back to mares only company, she’ll be giving everything plenty to think about.”

Teahupoo lowered the colours of Honeysuckle when staying on strongly to edge out Klassical Dream and Henry de Bromhead’s champion mare 12 months ago and Gordon Elliott’s Stayers’ Hurdle third will be attempting to repeat the dose in the hands of Jack Kennedy.

Jockey Jack Kennedy (left) and owner Brian Acheson celebrate Teahupoo's Hatton's Grace win last year
Jockey Jack Kennedy (left) and owner Brian Acheson celebrate Teahupoo’s Hatton’s Grace win last year (Brian Lawless/PA)

Last year’s victory was the fourth time Elliott has triumphed in the Grade One after Apple’s Jade dominated the contest between 2016 and 2018 and the Cullentra House team are also represented by the consistent Zanahiyr.

“I’ve got Teahupoo and Zanahiyr in the Hatton’s Grace and both horses have got good chances,” Elliott told Racing TV.

“Teahupoo on his form last year would probably be the pick of them, but whereas Zanahiyr wouldn’t mind a bit of better ground, Teahupoo would want as much rain as he can get.”

The field of five is complete by Paul Gilligan’s Buddy One, who steps out of handicap company in search of a hat-trick, having impressed at Cheltenham during the November meeting.

“Isn’t it great to have a horse to take on the big boys? That’s what we all want, one of these horses, and we have one now and it’s great,” said Gilligan.

“He’s won at Fairyhouse. We won’t get carried away, as we know exactly what’s facing us if he steps up to take on these guys.

“Impaire Et Passe is going to be hard to beat, Teahupoo is going to be hard to beat, but he could beat them – who’s to say he won’t?”



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Unbeaten Impaire Et Passe on course for Hatton’s Grace return

Impaire Et Passe is the star name among seven horses confirmed for the Bar One Racing Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse on Sunday.

The French import is four from four over obstacles since joining Willie Mullins, a record which includes a dominant victory over stablemate Gaelic Warrior in the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

The five-year-old is rated the biggest threat to the brilliant Constitution Hill by some bookmakers in this season’s Champion Hurdle market and he will be a warm order to make a successful start to his campaign this weekend.

Mullins could also saddle high-class mare Ashroe Diamond, while Gordon Elliott has a quartet of contenders in Beacon Edge, Irish Point, last year’s Hatton’s Grace hero Teahupoo and Zanahiyr.

Paul Gilligan’s recent Cheltenham scorer Buddy One completes the acceptors. The six-year-old faces a rise in class after scoring in handicap company in the Cotswolds two weeks ago, but Gilligan is contemplating rolling the dice.

He said: “We’ll make a decision on Friday morning, hopefully we’ll be going. He’s in super order and has come out of Cheltenham very, very well.

The first of three Grade Ones on a quality card is the Bar One Racing Royal Bond Novice Hurdle, for which nine promising youngster have stood their ground.

An Tobar looks a major player judged on an impressive debut under rules over the course and distance for Henry de Bromhead, who also has the promising Slade Steel.

Mullins has confirmed Bialystok and Horantzau D’airy, his brother Tom looks set to saddle Fascile Mode and Elliott could run Farren Glory, King Of Kingsfield and What’s Up Darling.

Encanto Bruno, trained by Gavin Cromwell, also warrants respect.

Sharjah and Paul Townend after winning at Galway
Sharjah and Paul Townend after winning at Galway (Niall Carson/PA)

Seven go forward for the Bar One Racing Drinmore Novice Chase, including the Mullins-trained pair of I Am Maximus and Sharjah.

I Am Maximus won the Irish Grand National in the spring, but retains his novice status for the time being, as does the top-class hurdler Sharjah, who has made a smooth transition to fences with two comfortable victories.

Elliott has three to choose from, with American Mike, Favori De Champdou and Found A Fifty all engaged, while Cromwell fires a twin assault with Letsbeclearaboutit and Perceval Legallois.



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Impaire confirmed for long-term Champion assignment

Connections of Impaire Et Passe are keen to have a crack at the Champion Hurdle despite the imposing figure of Constitution Hill standing in their way.

Trained by Willie Mullins and owned by Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, Impaire Et Passe looked imperious in winning all four outings last term.

While his six-and-a-half-length victory over stablemate Gaelic Warrior in the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle last season was impressive, he is a best-priced 13-2 for the Champion Hurdle, with current title-holder Constitution Hill the general 4-9 favourite after his connections ruled out a chasing switch.

“Impaire Et Passe is staying hurdling. Connections are keen to have a crack at the Champion Hurdle,” said Mullins.

“I’m not sure if that decision was made before the Constitution Hill one or not, but I think he has a fair crack at the Champion Hurdle.

“He won the Ballymore, the only reason he ran in that was because we had Facile Vega in the Supreme, so that is the route he will go down.

“If he improves any little bit – he’ll probably have to improve a fair bit to beat Constitution Hill – but I think he can and that is the decision we’ve made. I think he might start in the Hatton’s Grace.”

State Man won four Grade Ones in Ireland last season
State Man won four Grade Ones in Ireland last season (Niall Carson/PA)

Second to Constitution Hill last season was Mullins’ State Man. He won all his other four outings at Grade One level but has nine lengths to find with Nicky Henderson’s supreme talent.

“I think when you can win four Grade Ones in Ireland – every horse is only one gallop away from an injury – it’s all to play for. Constitution Hill has to get there and so do we, so we just felt that he could earn his keep easier over hurdles, that was the main reason (for staying over hurdles),” said Mullins.

“The obvious race is the Morgiana. It’s hard to see him beating Constitution Hill, but I’m hoping he’ll improve.

“The two of them will get entries in both the Morgiana and Hatton’s Grace, the two could run in either, it will depend on who is ready first. Whoever runs in the Morgiana, we might let the other go for the Hatton’s Grace.”

Some bookmakers have Mullins’ Triumph Hurdle winner Lossiemouth in the Champion Hurdle betting but she is likely to stick to her own sex.

“Lossiemouth could go for the Champion Hurdle or the Mares’ Hurdle but it will more than likely be the Mares’ Hurdle,” said Mullins.

“I haven’t decided where I will start her yet as she had a busy enough season last season, she’s only four. We’d probably like to run her at Christmas, Dublin Festival and Cheltenham so whether she runs before Christmas, I’ve not decided and might just keep her fresh.”



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Constitution Hill plans not a factor in Impaire Et Passe decision

Connections of Impaire Et Passe insist a potential clash with Constitution Hill was not a factor in their decision to keep last season’s star novice hurdler over the smaller obstacles this term.

There were differing views on Tuesday after Nicky Henderson confirmed his Champion Hurdle hero Constitution Hill would not be embarking on a chasing career in the immediate future, with some bemoaning the decision due to the perceived lack of depth in the two-mile hurdling division.

In Impaire Et Passe, though, he could face a new and significant rival, with the five-year-old having won each of four starts since joining Willie Mullins, including a dominant success in the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

Given the irresistible force that stands in their way, many expected Impaire Et Passe’s owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede to elect to send their charge over fences in the autumn – but he will indeed head down the Champion Hurdle route, regardless of the opposition.

The owners’ racing manager, Anthony Bromley, said: “Basically it was always the thinking all summer that Impaire Et Passe was pretty inexperienced and another season hurdling would be good for the horse.

“We weren’t making the decision based on what other horses were around us, we were making the decision based on what was the best decision for the horse and his long-term career.

“You never know what will happen to all these horses, so you make the decision based on what’s best for the actual animal rather than what’s around you, that was the thinking really.”

While the chances of Constitution Hill going chasing in the future appear slim, Impaire Et Passe is expected to switch disciplines next term.

Bromley added: “He’s so lightly raced that another season hurdling will hopefully toughen him up and then we can go chasing next season.

“He is the stamp of a chaser so he is exciting for that job, but we’ll see how high he can go over hurdles first.”



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Impaire Et Passe an emphatic winner at Punchestown

Impaire Et Passe showed a neat turn of foot and powered to victory in the Alanna Homes Champion Novice Hurdle for jockey Paul Townend and trainer Willie Mullins.

The five-year-old ran well within himself and Townend rode the Cheltenham’s Ballymore winner with supreme poise.

Send off a 1-3 favourite against just four rivals, he sat third throughout much of the extended two miles and three furlongs of the Grade One contest.

Though Impaire Et Passe made a novicey mistake six out, which saw him with plenty of ground to make up, Townend appeared to ooze confidence as stablemate Champ Kiely and the Joseph O’Brien-trained High Definition set the pace.

There was still plenty to do approaching two out and for a brief moment, High Definition and JJ Slevin looked set to cause a shock.

But Townend had plenty up his sleeve and the Simon Munir and Isaac Souede-owned gelding soon cruised upsides and went to the front on the bridle after being given a reminder that this was not simply a piece of work.

Jumping clear at the last, he stormed home to record a seven-and-a-half length success, with High Definition hanging on for second, despite stumbling when hitting the running rail after jumping the last.

Mullins was far from happy with the performance, however.

He said: “He didn’t impress me at all, I was delighted he won, but throughout the race he wasn’t impressing me.

“He looked like he wasn’t enjoying it and maybe Cheltenham took much more out of him than we thought.

“At home he was on fire and maybe I did too much with him, because he was going so well.

“It’s hard to say something went wrong when you win by seven and-a half lengths.

“Maybe he loves the hill in Cheltenham, he just got going up the hill, whereas today is a flat track. I’ll have a quick chat with Paul later on and see what he thought.

“Turning for home, I wouldn’t have backed him, so to win after that just means that he has a huge engine, but he wasn’t really in love with what he was doing today, whether it was the ground or what I don’t know.

“I think we’ll freshen him up now. I was thinking maybe of going to France but I won’t, I think I’ll just put him away.”

Townend and Mullins were not too impressed with Impaire Et Passe
Townend and Mullins were not too impressed with Impaire Et Passe (Brian Lawless/PA)

Townend echoed the sentiments, hinting his charge needed waking up.

He said: “It was not as straightforward as I was hoping. Maybe it was just because I was left on my own. I think everyone could see that I was never really happy throughout the race.

“When I got upsides them, he came on the bridle for me and his class shone through then.”

He added: “He’ll have no problem jumping a fence, but I’d say it will depend on what the horse across the water (Constitution Hill) is doing as well!”

Anthony Bromley, racing representative of owners Isaac Souede and Simon Munir and the man who purchases most of their horses, intimated that while the five-year-old has the size to be a chaser, the move to larger obstacles might be put on hold while the education process continues.

“He was quite switched off in the race and Paul had to wind him up a little bit turning but he picked up,” noted Bromley.

“To be fair, some of his races haven’t always been impressive. In the Moscow Flyer (at Punchestown), he wasn’t ‘Wow,’ and that’s why they went up in trip. He just needs to be woken up. I think there’s so much talent under the bonnet and I think he’s still a work in progress.

A chasing career could be delayed for Impaire Et Passe
A chasing career could be delayed for Impaire Et Passe (Brian Lawless/PA)

“He’s a big frame of a horse. He only had one bumper run last year and that’s his fourth hurdle run. I think the plan might be to stay hurdling and learn a bit more. But, the great Willie will tell us. In Willie we trust!

“You worry turning in slightly, you have a little moment, and suddenly by the line it’s clear and he’s winning easing down. He’s got great potential.”

The ‘Double Green’ colours had already enjoyed Grade One success at the meeting, with El Fabiolo on Thursday.

“There’s a lot of nice youngsters at Willie’s and it’s so exciting,” Bromley said.

“Isaac and Simon get a lot of fun from it. They love the Dublin Racing Festival, they love Cheltenham but Punchestown has really worked and they’ve been here all week, and to get two nice big winners – proper big winners – and horses that look like they might be superstars, is brilliant.

“And that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it? They put a lot into it. They’ve got a lot of horses and we’ve kissed a lot of frogs. But these two are exciting.”



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