Tag Archive for: Leopardstown

Leopardstown crowd likely to be willing Honeysuckle on this weekend

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There will surely be no popular winner at this year’s Dublin Racing Festival than Honeysuckle if she can raise the roof at Leopardstown for a fourth time in the Chanelle Pharma Irish Champion Hurdle.

Henry de Bromhead’s superstar mare might have claimed the Grade One contest in each of the past three years, as well as registering back-to-back wins in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, but for only the second time in her career the market makes her a marginal underdog.

The reason the betting is headed by the Willie Mullins-trained State Man, winner of the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown and Leopardstown’s Matheson Hurdle this winter, is because for the first time in 17-race career to date Honeysuckle tasted defeat when chasing a fourth Hatton’s Grace at Fairyhouse last month.

While disappointed to see her unbeaten record come to an end, connections of the nine-year-old are from despondent ahead of her return to action, with owner Kenny Alexander’s racing manager Peter Molony of the view that she is still the one to beat.

He said: “We’re excited and always a bit nervous when she runs. It’s no different this time really.

“We’re telling ourselves that now she’s been beaten it takes a bit of pressure off, but I’m not sure it actually does. I think it’s only the second time in her life that she hasn’t been favourite, the other time being when she beat Benie Des Dieux in the Mares’ Hurdle in Cheltenham three years ago.

“I think she’s still the one to beat. Willie’s two (State Man and Vauban) look very talented, exciting young horses coming up to challenge, but Honeysuckle is the reigning champion.

“There seems to be magnificent support behind her, which is great. People love nothing more than a champion who has been defeated and comes back and wins again, so let’s hope she can do it.”

Honeysuckle was beaten just under three lengths at Fairyhouse in early December, form which has been well advertised by the winner Teahupoo’s subsequent success in the Galmoy Hurdle at Gowran Park.

Molony feels there was an over-reaction to the defeat, adding: “Her last run in the Hatton’s Grace on ratings is right up there with any run she’s ever had in the race. As I’ve said before, if we hadn’t been defending an unbeaten record I think we would have left that day cock-a-hoop.

“On his preferred heavy ground I think Teahupoo is probably the best staying hurdler anywhere and by some distance – he’s a very good horse.

“Leopardstown probably suits us better. I know Henry has a suspicion she’s better left-handed than right-handed, so here we go – we’ll throw our hat into the ring again.”

Honeysuckle was all out when clinging on by half a length from Darver Star in the 2020 Irish Champion, but the last two years have been a cruise – winning by 10 and six and a half lengths respectively.

Henry de Bromhead hopes Honeysuckle can strike Leopardstown gold once more
Henry de Bromhead hopes Honeysuckle can strike Leopardstown gold once more (Brian Lawless/PA)

De Bromhead has clearly done a magnificent job keeping her at the top of her game for so long and insists he has seen no signs at home that she is on the decline.

“It’s incredible to think we’re trying to win it for the fourth time. She needed the line the first year, but she did it and that’s her – heart-on-the-sleeve stuff,” said the County Waterford handler.

“We never dreamt she could do what she did after that. She looked great, but you couldn’t think she’d go on to do what she has. You have to pinch yourself when you have a horse like her.

“Unfortunately she came unstuck in the Hatton’s Grace, but I felt she still ran really well. Obviously it was disappointing to get beaten, but she’s done incredibly well in what she’s done.

“She seems really well in herself and we’re really looking forward to it. We’ll take on these new young guns and and see how we get on.”

The Mullins-trained pair of State Man and Vauban cross swords for the second time this season after being separated by little over four lengths when first and second in last month’s Matheson Hurdle.

That was Triumph Hurdle hero Vauban’s first appearance since scoring at Punchestown in the spring and Patrick Mullins, assistant to his father, feels he could make more a race of it on Sunday.

He said: “Honeysuckle looks vulnerable for this first time after she was beaten for the very first time, but she’s still the one to beat and it wasn’t a bad run by any stretch of the imagination.

“Younger legs are hard to keep at bay, though, as Sharjah found out at Christmas.

“It’s going to be a fascinating race and obviously Vauban will improve from Christmas, he didn’t get a clear run once or twice that day and it was first time out so he can get closer to State Man and then it depends on Honeysuckle.

“It will be fascinating to watch. There’s a lot of people at home who are big fans of Vauban, but it’s tough for the five-year-olds and State Man has won two Grade Ones this season. It wouldn’t surprise us if Vauban won, though.”

Gordon Elliott saddles Pied Piper and Zanahiyr, both of whom need to bounce back from disappointing runs, while Tom Mullins’ Takarengo has a mountain to climb on ratings and completes the field.



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Lossiemouth leading Mullins’ team in Spring Juvenile Hurdle

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Lossiemouth is out to maintain her unbeaten record in the Donohue Marquees Spring Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown on Saturday.

She heads a six-strong Willie Mullins team that also includes interesting French recruit Gust Of Wind, Jourdefete, Tekao, Cinsa and Gala Marceau, with Brendan Duke’s hurdling debutant Darraby and Henry de Bromhead’s Ascending also in the mix.

Vauban won the race 12 months ago and went on to follow up at Cheltenham in the Triumph Hurdle, sporting the same pink and green Rich Ricci silks as Lossiemouth.

Mullins said: “Everyone knows Lossiemouth. She won in Fairyhouse and won at Christmas in Leopardstown.

“People are not so much aware of Gust Of Wind, who won a very good race in Auteuil. We managed to get him and gave him a little break and he’s coming back now.

“Hopefully he’s up to this standard, I think he is.”

Day one of the Dublin Racing Festival concludes with the Shabra Charity Oliver Brady Memorial Future Stars I.N.H. Flat Race, a Grade Two bumper Willie and Patrick Mullins have combined to win each of the past three years with Appreciate It, Kilcruit and Facile Vega respectively.

This time around Mullins junior had the pick of four runners and has sided with Fact To File over Chosen Witness, Special Cadeau and Largy Hill – but he insists it was not a straightforward choice.

He said: “It was very difficult to chose. Chosen Witness probably has the best run, but Fact To File is doing the best work.

“More often than not I’d go with the best run but with bumper horses it can be a bit different, they’ve only had the one run and can improve so I’ve gone for Fact To File. But I’m not certain I’m on the right one.”

While Mullins possesses a strong hand, it is his brother Tom who saddles the likely favourite in Fascile Mode, who impressed over the course and distance last month.

He said: “He has to back up his win but he’s been fine since and working well so we’ll have a go and see what he can do.

“He will be a stayer in the making I would say but I liked his turn of foot off a real good pace and it was a fast time that day. It was impressive and it was his first time out so hopefully he will improve a little again and if he does it might get him there.

“It’s only missing a couple of English horses and I think they are best that Gordon (Elliott) and Willie have at the moment, so if he beats them on Saturday he is probably the best bumper horse in Ireland.”



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All eyes on Galopin Des Champs in Irish Gold Cup

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Galopin Des Champs is a red-hot favourite to enhance his Cheltenham Gold Cup claims with victory in the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown on Saturday.

Incredibly the Willie Mullins-trained seven-year-old was sent off a 100-1 no-hoper at the Dublin Racing Festival two years ago.

Yet since then his only blemish has been in last season’s Turners Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham when he was in the process of handing out a wide-margin beating to Bob Olinger only to slip on landing after the last.

He made amends at Fairyhouse in April and began this campaign with an easy win in the John Durkan at Punchestown. However, despite having a Grade One win in his hurdling days over three miles, this will be his first time over the trip when tackling fences.

“He handled Leopardstown very well last year, which is why I don’t have much trouble going back there. He is a big horse, but when he handled the track there last year I’m happy to go back,” said Mullins.

“He does things in his races so easy, except for his little blip in Cheltenham last year where he slipped on landing.

“He’s never been over this trip over fences, but he has over hurdles and I was never really worried about his stamina. He always showed a nice turn of foot and we’ll find out, but I think he shouldn’t have any problem with it.”

Paul Townend will do the steering and said in his blog for Ladbrokes: “Galopin Des Champs really impressed me in the John Durkan. I love the way he settles and that will give him a brilliant chance of getting home.

“He is on the road for the Gold Cup so he will have to win this if he wants to be favourite for Cheltenham. We will focus on winning this first before getting ahead of ourselves. I think he will take a lot of beating, though.”

The champion trainer also runs Franco De Port, Leopardstown regular and 2021 winner of the race Kemboy and Stattler, winner of the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham who will be reunited with Patrick Mullins.

He was second to 2021 Gold Cup winner Minella Indo at Tramore on his seasonal return but was conceding 8lb.

Stattler and Patrick Mullins on their way to victory at Cheltenham
Stattler and Patrick Mullins on their way to victory at Cheltenham (David Davies/PA)

His rider said: “I’m delighted to get back on him. Look, Galopin Des Champs is going to be very difficult to beat and Kemboy and Fury Road set a good benchmark, too, but I’m hoping he will be above that benchmark – I’d be hoping we can finish second and you never know.

“It was a great run at Tramore giving all that weight, especially as it was a home game for Minella Indo as he is only five minutes down the road.

“It was a close finish but I don’t think it was a hard race, they only hacked around before sprinting home. He should come forward from that.

“Obviously Stattler stays well, but I don’t think he’s slow. He’s a young horse who is improving and I’m hoping we haven’t seen the best of him yet.”

Ted Walsh’s Grand National stalwart Any Second Now and Peter Fahey’s Grand National aspirant The Bog Dog take on team Mullins, as does Gordon Elliott with Fury Road, a fine third to stablemate Conflated in the Savills Chase last time out.

“He’s in good form. It is a very competitive race and he faces a big step up. He ran well the last day at Leopardstown, so hopefully he runs well again. It is never easy when they come out of novice company,” said Elliott.



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Blackmore retains faith as Honeysuckle seeks Irish Champion Hurdle four-timer

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Rachael Blackmore retains “full confidence” in Honeysuckle ahead of her bid for a fourth straight victory in the Chanelle Pharma Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown on Sunday.

Despite landing the Dublin Racing Festival showpiece in each of the past three seasons, as well as back-to-back victories in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, Henry de Bromhead’s superstar mare will return to Foxrock as something of an underdog after suffering the first defeat of her career last time out.

That eclipse came in the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse, a race she has also won on three occasions, where after travelling with her trademark zest into the straight, she was reeled in and passed by both Teahupoo and Klassical Dream, seeing her beaten for the first time in 17 starts.

Blackmore admits that reverse came as a blow, but insists she was not disappointed with her performance and is confident she will put up a staunch defence of her crown this weekend.

Speaking on a press call after being unveiled as a new ambassador for Betfair, she said: “It was obviously very disappointing that she got beaten, but she put up a very good performance in defeat and we move on to the Irish Champion Hurdle.

“I think it was a combination of very strong opposition on that (soft) ground over that trip (two and a half miles). That combination was ultimately what resulted in her getting beaten.

“Teahupoo is a very good horse, as is Klassical Dream, and I really do feel that she still ran an extremely good race.

“She couldn’t be any better at home and Henry is delighted with her. I obviously love riding her, I’m really looking forward to it and hopefully she puts up a good performance.”

As a result of her Fairyhouse eclipse Honeysuckle is only second in the betting for Sunday’s feature, with the Willie Mullins-trained State Man the clear favourite to add to his previous triumphs this season in the Morgiana at Punchestown and the Matheson at Leopardstown.

Blackmore, however, is paying no attention to the odds and believes anyone who writes off her long-time ally does so at their peril.

“She’s been incredible, she’s unbeaten in Leopardstown and I really wouldn’t be underestimating her in any shape or form – she’s the one they all have to come out and beat,” she added.

“There’s always pressure riding Honeysuckle and with regards to who is favourite and who is not favourite, that is never something I take much notice of, to be honest.

“I’m on her back and I have full confidence in her. If I had lost the faith in Honeysuckle, it would be a very poor reflection of what we’ve achieved.”

Rachael Blackmore and Honeysuckle after winning last year's Irish Champion Hurdle
Rachael Blackmore and Honeysuckle after winning last year’s Irish Champion Hurdle (Niall Carson/PA)

Whether Honeysuckle will bid for a third Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham next month appears dependent on how she performs on Sunday, with a switch to the Mares’ Hurdle at Prestbury and even retirement mentioned as a possibility by her connections.

Blackmore is fully aware the last day she will ride the nine-year-old is drawing closer and she is intent on enjoying every second of the journey while it continues.

She said: “She’s been incredible for my career. Every jockey has a dream of being able to ride something like Honeysuckle and I’m so lucky that I’ve had the association with her.

“We got a fantastic reception in Leopardstown last year – it was one of my favourite moments in racing coming back into the winner’s enclosure. There was an incredible atmosphere and there was such anticipation before the race as well, it was fantastic.

“It would be incredible for her to win a fourth Irish Champion Hurdle. As far when that association is going to end, we know it’s not going to go past this season, but I don’t look too far ahead.

“My main focus is on this Sunday and getting over that and we’ll look to the next thing then, but I don’t really worry myself with things that are too far down the line.”



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Sly keeping watch as ex-inmate Cadeau aims for Leopardstown honours

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Pam Sly will be a keen observer when former pupil Special Cadeau tackles the Future Stars (C & G) I.N.H. Flat Race at Leopardstown on Saturday.

The son of Nathaniel was bred, owned and trained by Sly in his formative years, making a winning debut in a Huntingdon bumper for the Singlecote handler as a three-year-old in November 2021 before transferring to Willie Mullins after being sold for £220,000 the following month.

Now owned by the Clipper Logistics Group, the five-year-old made an eye-catching debut for his new Closutton training team in the Leopardstown bumper won by Thomas Mullins’ Fascile Mode over the Christmas period.

Backed into 9-2 for that contest, he was ridden from the front and put up a likeable display before fading into third late on.

However, the front three were well clear of the rest of the field and Sly is looking forward to seeing how the strapping gelding progresses for the master of Closutton.

She said: “I do keep an eye on him. He’s a nice horse and I hope they have a lot of fun with him.

Special Cadeau (grey, rear) finishes third to Fascile Mode (centre) in the Plusvital INH Flat Race during day four of the Leopardstown Christmas Festival at Leopardstown Racecourse
Special Cadeau (grey, rear) finishes third to Fascile Mode (centre) in the Plusvital INH Flat Race during day four of the Leopardstown Christmas Festival at Leopardstown Racecourse (Niall Carson/PA)

“I did say to Willie Mullins that I thought he could win on the Flat because he was big, he was about 17 hands.

“I thought he ran quite well when he was third at Leopardstown over Christmas. They front-ran with him and his outside ear was flicking the whole time, but the others were well behind, including the favourite.

“He’ll look after him, won’t he (Mullins), that’s the joy of it.”



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Galopin Des Champs leads Mullins Leopardstown charge

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Galopin Des Champs is the star name among the seven runners declared for the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown on Saturday.

Already a hot favourite to provide trainer Willie Mullins with a third victory in the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup next month, the seven-year-old is widely expected to enhance his claims by securing a first chasing win over three miles on the opening day of the Dublin Racing Festival.

The champion trainer has saddled a record 11 previous winners of the Irish Gold Cup and also sends Stattler, Kemboy and Franco De Port into battle in his bid to make it a dozen.

Last season’s National Hunt Chase winner Stattler ran an excellent race on his only previous start this season when pushing former Gold Cup winner Minella Indo close at Tramore at New Year’s Day, while the 11-year-old Kemboy won the Irish Gold Cup two years ago and is out to regain his crown.

Gordon Elliott has won two of the last three renewals with Delta Work in 2020 and Conflated 12 months ago and this year relies on Fury Road, who finished third behind Conflated and Kemboy in the Savills Chase over the course and distance in December, a race in which Franco De Port also finished fourth.

The Ted Walsh-trained Any Second Now and Peter Fahey’s The Big Dog complete the line-up.

Nine runners are set to go to post for the first of eight Grade Ones over the two days – the Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors “50,000 Cheltenham Bonus For Stable Staff” Novice Hurdle.

The two-mile-six-furlong contest is one of the few races for which Mullins does not train the favourite, with that honour going to Barry Connell’s impressive course winner Good Land.

Good Land winning at Leopardstown
Good Land winning at Leopardstown (Niall Carson/PA)

Mullins is represented by Grangeclare West and Quais De Paris, Paul Nolan will have high hopes for Sandor Clegane and Elliott saddles American Mike, Absolute Notions and Cool Survivor.

British hopes are carried by the Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained Weveallbeencaught, with Henry de Bromhead’s Deep Cave the other hopeful.

Mullins holds the ace hand in the Donohue Marquees Spring Juvenile Hurdle, with his unbeaten odds-on favourite Lossiemouth joined by five stablemates in Gust Of Wind, Jourdefete, Tekao, Cinsa and Gala Marceau. De Bromhead’s Ascending and Brendan Duke’s hurdling debutant Darraby are the other runners.

It is a similar story in the Goffs Irish Arkle, with Appreciate It, Dysart Dynamo, El Fabiolo, Flame Bearer and Saint Roi all declared by Mullins. Joseph O’Brien’s Banbridge, Peter Fahey’s Visionarian and Elliott’s Fil Dor complete a fascinating field.

Mullins fires a four-pronged assault at the concluding Future Stars (C & G) I.N.H. Flat Race, with Chosen Witness, Fact To File, Largy Hill and Special Cadeau all in the mix – but it is the Closutton handler’s brother Tom who saddles the market leader in impressive course winner Fascile Mode.

Better Days Ahead from the Elliott yard is another worthy of consideration in a Grade Two contest that promises to be hugely informative with the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham in mind.



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The Big Dog takes Leopardstown test en route to Aintree

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Peter Fahey is happy to give The Big Dog his Grand National prep run in the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown on Saturday.

The 10-year-old has already enjoyed a fantastic season, winning the Munster National at Limerick and the Troytown Chase at Navan before finishing third under 12 stone in the Welsh Grand National.

The Big Dog will face a big rise in class on the opening day of the Dublin Racing Festival, with Cheltenham Gold Cup favourite Galopin Des Champs among his likely rivals, but Fahey views the Grade One contest as an ideal stepping-stone to Aintree in April.

He said: “At the moment he’ll definitely be running. He came out of the race at Chepstow well.

“It’s a hugely competitive race and Grade One, but it fits in well in that it gives us enough time to aim for Aintree. Hopefully he puts in a big run and it will put us right for the Grand National, which is the main target.

“He’s a little bit behind on ratings on Saturday, but I wouldn’t be worried. It’s a lovely race for him and the ground isn’t going to be too heavy, so it won’t bottom him out too much.

“He’s after having a hard season, running in three big handicaps so far. We’re going into a Grade One race now, but it gives us enough time afterwards to freshen him up for Aintree.”

The Big Dog is one of two planned runners for Fahey on Saturday, with Visionarian set to line up in the Goffs Irish Arkle.

Visionarian winning at Galway
Visionarian winning at Galway (Brian Lawless/PA)

The eight-year-old could renew rivalry with Saint Roi, to whom he finished second in a Grade One at Leopardstown over Christmas, while Dysart Dynamo and Appreciate It are other potential opponents.

Visionarian is the rank outsider in ante-post lists, but Fahey is quietly confident about his chances.

He added: “Visionarian worked and schooled on Tuesday and I’m absolutely thrilled with him – he seems to have come on a bit from his last run.

“Hopefully they don’t put water on the track for him, but he’s in good form and I think he’ll run a very big race.”



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Honeysuckle and State Man set for Leopardstown clash

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Honeysuckle, State Man and Vauban all feature among six confirmations for Sunday’s Chanelle Pharma Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown.

After Honeysuckle met with the first defeat of her career last time out in the Hatton’s Grace at Fairyhouse, in all likelihood it will be the first time she has not been sent off favourite since the 2020 Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, when she beat Benie Des Dieux.

Ahead of her in the ante-post betting is Willie Mullins’ State Man, who has progressed from victory in last term’s County Hurdle to win two Grade Ones already this season, landing the Morgiana and Matheson Hurdles.

State Man held off his Willie Mullins stablemate Vauban at Christmas and the champion trainer is happy for them both to meet again in an attempt to prevent a fourth successive victory for Henry de Bromhead’s mare.

Mullins said: “It’s going to be a hell of a race.

“Honeysuckle, I thought, ran very well (in the Hatton’s Grace). A lot of people castigated her for her run in Fairyhouse but I thought it was a great run against that class of horse. She’ll be hard to beat.

“We’ll be doing our best with State Man and Vauban, both ran crackers at Christmas.

“I keep saying he’s (Vauban) only five and he is, though it’s hard for those sort of horses to improve.

“Both of them have pleased me since and we’re looking forward to see if we can take on Kenny Alexander’s Honeysuckle. It’s going to be a very good race, anyhow.”

State Man has emerged as a top-class hurdler this season
State Man has emerged as a top-class hurdler this season (Niall Carson/PA)

The Gordon Elliott duo of Pied Piper and Zanahiyr and Tom Mullins’ outsider Takarengo complete the list.

Only five remain in the Ladbrokes Dublin Chase over two miles, where Mullins’ Blue Lord will aim to follow up his win at Christmas and cement his Champion Chase claims.

Sceau Royal, a rare British raider, Dunvegan, Gentleman De Mee and Fastorslow are also engaged.

There are nine left in the Tattersalls Ireland Novices Hurdle over two miles, in which Mullins has another enviable hand.

Facile Vega, Dark Raven, Gaelic Warrior and Il Etait Temps could all run for the champion trainer.

Elliott has American Mike and Irish Point to chose from while De Bromhead’s unbeaten Inthepocket, Joseph O’Brien’s one-time Derby favourite High Definition and Oliver McKiernan’s No Looking Back add further strength in depth.

The Ladbrokes Novice Chase over two miles and five furlongs has a competitive look to it with 13 left in.

Mullins holds another strong hand with El Fabiolo, Gaillard Du Mesnil, Glengouly, James Du Berlais and Kilcruit among his team, but Elliott should offer stern resistance with Gerri Colombe, Mighty Potter and Fil Dor still in.



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Galopin Des Champs on course to cement Gold Cup claims

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Galopin Des Champs is the star attraction among the seven confirmations for the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown on Saturday.

The three-mile contest is the feature on day one of the Dublin Racing Festival and Willie Mullins’ seven-year-old will look to cement his place at the top of the ante-post lists for the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March following a winning comeback in the John Durkan at Punchestown in December.

The master of Closutton, who recently passed 4,000 career winners, is also represented by last year’s National Hunt Chase scorer and recent Tramore runner-up Stattler, 2021 Irish Gold Cup winner Kemboy and Franco De Port.

Gordon Elliott has won the race twice in the last three years and relies on track-and-trip winner Fury Road, while Grand National hopes The Big Dog (Peter Fahy) and Any Second Now (Ted Walsh) complete the list of potential runners.

Mullins is responsible for five of the eight possibles in the Goffs Irish Arkle Novice Chase, where Dysart Dynamo could be given the opportunity to build on his breathtaking course-and-distance success over the Christmas period.

Other Closutton inmates in the mix include former Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner Appreciate It, El Fabiolo, Flame Bearer and Saint Roi – who was the best part of 10 lengths clear of the reopposing Fil Dor when scooping Grade One honours over track and trip in December.

Appreciate It returns to the Naas winner's enclosure
Appreciate It returns to the Naas winner’s enclosure (Gary Carson/PA)

Visionarian was second on that occasion and is another possible, along with Joseph O’Brien’s Banbridge.

Vauban won the Donohue Marquees Spring Juvenile Hurdle in 2021 before going on to Triumph Hurdle success and Lossiemouth will be looking to repeat the dose for the same connections as she heads the 15 confirmations for this years running.

Rich Ricci’s filly is one of eight possible runners for Mullins in the Grade One event, with Blood Destiny, Gala Marceau and Gust Of Wind other notable names from Closutton that could line up.

The action kicks off with the Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors “50,000 Cheltenham Bonus For Stable Staff” Nov Hurdle where a maximum of nine go to post and Good Lord heads the ante-post market for Barry Connell following his eight-length win here over Christmas.

Paul Nolan will be hoping Sandor Clegane can follow in the footsteps of Latest Exhibition and throw his hat in the ring for the Albert Bartlett at the Cheltenham Festival, while Weveallbeencaught is a rare UK raider representing Nigel Twiston-Davies.

Tom Mullins’ Facile Mode created a deep impression when winning over track and trip on debut and tops the 12 engaged in the Future Stars (C & G) I.N.H. Flat Race.

Fascile Mode and jockey Charlie Mullins (centre) coming home to win the Plusvital INH Flat Race during day four of the Leopardstown Christmas Festival at Leopardstown Racecourse
Fascile Mode and jockey Charlie Mullins (centre) coming home to win the Plusvital INH Flat Race during day four of the Leopardstown Christmas Festival at Leopardstown Racecourse (Niall Carson/PA)

The last four winners of this have all subsequently gone off favourite for the Champion Bumper. Willie Mullins has won four of the five runnings and can select from Chosen Witness, Special Cadeau, Fact To File and Largy Hill this time.

Elliott’s eyecatching Fairyhouse winner Better Days Ahead is another name to note in the dozen that could go to post.



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Weveallbeencaught poised for Leopardstown raid

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Nigel Twiston-Davies is prepared to take on the might of the Irish with Weveallbeencaught at this weekend’s Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown.

While the Naunton handler has enjoyed multiple victories at the Punchestown Festival over the years, he has saddled just one previous runner at Leopardstown, with Moorish finishing down the field in the richly-endowed Ladbroke Handicap Hurdle some 25 years ago.

Weveallbeencaught, a £210,000 purchase after winning an Irish point-to-point, made a successful debut for his new connections in a Newbury bumper last season and made a promising start over hurdles when third behind subsequent Challow winner Hermes Allen in a Grade Two at Cheltenham in November.

The six-year-old went on to justify favouritism in a maiden hurdle at Prestbury Park on New Year’s Day, beating Saturday’s Cheltenham winner Rock My Way, and will step up to Grade One level in the Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors “50,000 Cheltenham Bonus For Stable Staff” Novice Hurdle.

“That’s the plan. It was good to see the horse that was second to him winning at Cheltenham on Saturday. We’re very happy,” said Twiston-Davies.

“The owners wanted to go to Ireland. We’re going to have a crack and we’ll see how we do.”

Weveallbeencaught is an 8-1 shot with Paddy Power for the Dublin Racing Festival curtain-raiser, with Barry Connell’s Good Land heading the market at 2-1.

Other likely contenders for the two-mile-six-furlong contest on the opening afternoon include Henry de Bromhead’s Hiddenvalley Lake, the Paul Nolan-trained Sandor Clegane and American Mike from Gordon Elliott’s yard.



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Good Land hunting Grade One gold at Leopardstown

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Barry Connell’s Good Land is set for a Grade One return to Leopardstown following his taking maiden victory at the track last month.

The seven-year-old open his account over obstacles by an easy eight lengths in late December, after unseating his rider at the first flight on his hurdling debut at Fairyhouse.

Good Land holds an entry for the Grade One Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors Novice Hurdle on February 4, where a good performance could see him go on to tackle the Ballymore at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

Connell said: “He’s entered in the Nathaniel Lacey, the two-mile-six (furlong) Grade One in Leopardstown. That’s where he goes, he’s come out of his race very well at Leopardstown at Christmas.

Good Land at Leopardstown
Good Land at Leopardstown (Niall Carson/PA)

“That was his first real run over hurdles so we’re anticipating something from him. He’s a course winner so we’re hoping he can run a massive race.

“If he does that then he’ll go to Cheltenham, where he has an entry in the Ballymore.”

Good Land’s Leopardstown win saw him defeat Willie Mullins’ Embassy Gardens, form that was reinforced when the latter horse streaked home to take a Thurles novice hurdle by 35 lengths last weekend.

“Embassy Gardens won very well at Thurles. He made a mistake at Leopardstown and that probably cost him second – instead of finishing fourth he might have been second,” Connell said.

“It is nice to see a boost to the form, we’re happy with our horse and he goes back there having won recently over the course. He’s training well and we’re expecting a good run.”

Connell also has Cheltenham in mind for Royal Bond winner Marine Nationale, who was last seen landing the Grade One novice hurdle by a head from Irish Point.

Marine Nationale during the Royal Bond
Marine Nationale during the Royal Bond (Brian Lawless/PA)

He too has seen his stock rise thanks to the performances of former rivals, with Irish Point going on to finish second in the Lawlor’s Of Naas Novice Hurdle – beaten only by the fourth-placed horse in the Royal Bond, Champ Kiely.

Marine Nationale has enjoyed a short break since his Fairyhouse victory, but the six-year-old is back in action and will be aimed directly at the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

“He’s good, he’s back in full training. We gave him a break for about a month because he had been on the go for the whole summer,” said Connell.

“He didn’t get a summer break like most of the novices did, so he’s come back fresh and well. The plan is to go to the Supreme, he doesn’t have an entry in any of the other novice races.

“That’s where he’ll head, we’re happy with him and he’s back in full training. We’ll probably get a racecourse gallop into to him somewhere, probably a week before he goes and that would be his preparation sorted.”

Michael O’Sullivan and Marine Nationale
Michael O’Sullivan and Marine Nationale (Brian Lawless/PA)

Of the subsequent form boost, the trainer added: “The Grade One form worked out well in the Lawlor’s Of Naas – the horses who were second and fourth where first and second there.

“It’s always good to see the collateral form working out. We’re very happy with him and we think the better ground, which hopefully we will get a Cheltenham, will be in his favour.

“The ground had gone soft at Fairyhouse and that wouldn’t have suited him but nevertheless, he still managed to win. I’d say he’ll be even better on spring ground.”

Connell also owns and trains Enniskerry, victor in the Kilbegnet Novice Chase back in September before pulling up in the Grade One Drinmore.

The ground had become unsuitably testing on the latter occasion and the gelding will now wait for quicker conditions before he returns, with the Galway Plate the ultimate target come summer.

Enniskerry at Galway
Enniskerry at Galway (Niall Carson/PA)

“Enniskerry’s last run was in the Drinmore, the ground had become heavy and that was totally unsuitable,” said Connell.

“He was pulled up and he’s on a break now. The plan is to train him for the Galway Plate in the summer.

“He’s already a winner around Galway, so we know he goes around the track. He won a beginners chase there at the Festival, he’ll come back in the late spring and that’ll be his main target.”



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Kirby planning Leopardstown raid for Top Ville Ben

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Top Ville Ben is set to be tasked with a raiding mission to the Dublin Racing Festival having seen an intended engagement at Lingfield lost to the recent cold snap.

Phil Kirby’s 11-year-old was primed to defend his Cazoo Hurdle title during the Surrey track’s Winter Million weekend, but will now revert to fences for the Bulmers Handicap Chase at Leopardstown on February 5.

British runners have been in short supply at the Dublin track’s two-day showpiece, but Kirby has taken over Lady Buttons to mix it with Ireland’s best in the past and believes his stable stalwart has a fair chance of getting in the shake-up if reproducing his best.

Top Ville Ben clears a hurdle on his way to winning the Cazoo Hurdle during day one of The Winter Million Festival at Lingfield Park last year
Top Ville Ben clears a hurdle on his way to winning the Cazoo Hurdle during day one of The Winter Million Festival at Lingfield Park last year (Simon Marper/PA)

He said: “He’s most likely going there and that’s the plan at the moment. He’s a bit limited to where he can go but the owners are going to go over there, so I think that is where we are going to head.

“It’s a big prize and it’s going to be very competitive, but it is the sort of race we have to run in, so we’ll go over and give it a good go.

“Obviously you need to be very well handicapped for these races and whether we are or not, I’m not sure, but he’s probably at least fairly handicapped on the best of his form.

“I don’t mind going over there. If the owners can have a good day out and the horse has a chance, I’ll go anywhere.”

Kirby has also had to reroute new recruit Jason The Militant, who saw designated outings at both Lingfield and Haydock lost to the weather.

The former Henry de Bromhead inmate, who transferred to North Yorkshire for £50,000, is now poised to appear at Cheltenham on Saturday in handicap company where he will have to shoulder the burden of top weight in the SSS Super Alloys Handicap Hurdle.

He continued: “It’s certainly not ideal and the plan was definitely to run last weekend. But we are again a bit limited on what we do now and the ground is drying up as well.

“I think we’re just going to have to go and make a start to be honest. I did look in Ireland and there’s very little in Ireland for him as well, so I just thought we’ll most likely go there (Cheltenham), make a start and then work from there.

“Hopefully it won’t dry up too much, but we need to get a run into him as he’s been off long enough. He’s been grand, but I just think the ground might dry up more than ideal for him. We’ll go and see where we are.”



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Honeysuckle ready for Irish Champion Hurdle defence

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Henry de Bromhead does not expect Honeysuckle to give up her crown lightly when she bids for fourth successive victory in the Chanelle Pharma Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown.

The nine-year-old will return to Foxrock on something of a recovery mission on Sunday week, having suffered her first defeat in 17 career starts at Fairyhouse last month.

Honeysuckle looked likely to secure her fourth Hatton’s Grace Hurdle after travelling strongly into the home straight, but her effort petered out between the final two flights and she was eventually beaten just under three lengths into third place behind Teahupoo and Klassical Dream.

That eclipse immediately had those questioning whether the great mare was past her best, but De Bromhead insists there are no signs at home that her powers are on the wane.

Henry de Bromhead trains Honeysuckle
Henry de Bromhead trains Honeysuckle (Brian Lawless/PA)

“She seems great now, really good,” said the County Waterford handler.

“I thought she ran well at Fairyhouse, probably not up to her highest level, but I think for her first run back she ran really well.

“Two and a half (miles) on ground that got very soft in the end might have just been a stretch. She was beaten by a real soft ground specialist in Teahupoo and Klassical Dream is a high-class horse as well.

“She looked like she had it put to bed between the second-last and the last, and then they just came at her and that was it.

“We don’t see anything different here. Maybe that will arise on the track, I don’t know. Everyone is happy. She looks good.”

De Bromhead insists plans beyond the Dublin Racing Festival remain fluid, with a decision on whether Honeysuckle will take on the brilliant Constitution Hill and bid for a third victory in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham likely to be dependent on how she performs at Leopardstown.

The Mares’ Hurdle, which she won in 2020, has previously been raised by the trainer as a possible alternative, although Peter Molony – racing manager to owner Kenny Alexander – suggested in a recent interview it could be the Champion Hurdle or retirement.

De Bromhead added: “We’ll see how it goes but both options in Cheltenham are open. The Mares’ Hurdle is definitely an option and the Champion Hurdle is definitely an option.

“I think we see how the Irish Champion Hurdle goes and we’ll all sit down and going by Peter’s quotes, thrash it out together!

“I think the most important thing is we keep all our options open. I suppose my job is to find the race I’ve the best chance of winning.

“That may not be what we go with. At the moment, looking at Constitution Hill and he’s whatever price he is, 1-3. I’m not saying the Mares’ race would be an easy race, but you might have a better chance of winning that than you would a Champion, if all the players turn up.

“But we have to get through the Irish Champion Hurdle first and that’s a big test for us also. We’ve got plenty to do in between.”



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Sweeney considering the possibilities for Churchstonewarrior

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Jonathan Sweeney could send Churchstonewarrior to the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham following his creditable runner-up in Grade One company over Christmas.

The lightly-raced eight-year-old has had just three starts over fences and he has been placed second on each occasion.

Upped to three miles at Leopardstown in the Neville Hotels Novice Chase, Aidan Coleman’s mount jumped well throughout, although was no match for the winner, the Willie Mullins-trained Gaillard Du Mesnil, who scored by seven and a half lengths and now heads the market for the National Hunt Chase on March 14.

Sweeney said: “We were very happy with the run – he ran well. You couldn’t say he isn’t a Grade One horse. The winner has had an awful lot of experience.

“I suppose we had a lot of luck on the day, but that’s racing.”

There are no firm plans for the son of Mahler, although a possible return to Leopardstown for the Ladbrokes Novice Chase on February 5 is under consideration by the County Cork handler.

“He might go back to Leopardstown for the Dublin Festival. He’ll go back in trip – there is a two-mile-five-furlong race – but there are a few other options which we need to discuss.

“He came out of the race the last day well. He is not entered at Cheltenham yet, but there is a possibility he will go there. He might get an entry in the Brown Advisory, although we’d probably head to the National Hunt Chase more than the other option.

“We’ll see what the owners say. There are no hard and fast plans at the moment. We will try to progress from that.”



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Comfort Zone possible for Leopardstown ahead of Cheltenham challenge

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Finale Juvenile Hurdle hero Comfort Zone will have one more run before a possible tilt at the Triumph Hurdle, trainer Joseph O’Brien has revealed.

The Churchill gelding was a neck superior to Dixon Cove in the Grade Two event at Chepstow over Christmas.

The JP McManus-owned four-year-old had previously finished third at Fairyhouse to Triumph Hurdle favourite Lossiemouth, who subsequently franked that form by winning a Grade Two at Leopardstown on Boxing Day.

The Owning Hill handler is keen to head to the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown, with the €150,000 Grade One Spring Juvenile Hurdle on February 4 a likely landing spot.

O’Brien said: “It was a good performance at Chepstow and he has come back from that race well.

“He has an option of going to the Dublin Racing Festival in Ireland and he has an option of going to Cheltenham, but we are considering the Dublin Racing Festival and then, after that, we will look at further plans from there. But that is as far as we’ve got.

“He’s had three runs over hurdles now and his jumping is pretty good. We are potentially looking at Leopardstown, but nothing has been set in stone. It is a long time from Christmas to the Triumph Hurdle.”

Home By The Lee, who sauntered to a three-length success in the Jack De Bromhead Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown, has taken the Grade One contest in his stride, according to O’Brien.

He will head straight to Cheltenham for the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle in which he was beaten seven and a half lengths in sixth by Flooring Porter last year.

Home By The Lee will head straight to Cheltenham
Home By The Lee will head straight to Cheltenham (Niall Carson/PA)

The Sean O’Driscoll-owned eight-year-old cruised to success over Bob Olinger on his seasonal return at Navan and travelled sweetly in beating Ashdale Bob over three miles on his next start.

O’Brien said: “He has had a very good season so far. The plan is to go straight for the Stayers’. He wasn’t beaten far in it last year and he does look a better horse this year, so hopefully he will go there with a live chance.

“He jumped and travelled well the last day, so we are pleased with his season and looking forward to Cheltenham.”

Another who will make a return to the Festival in March is Scarlet And Dove, who went down by just half a length to Elimay when third in the Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase last year.

The Gigginstown House Stud-owned nine-year-old overturned the form with that rival in no uncertain terms when romping to a 15-length success in a Grade Two at Punchestown in April.

She showed her well-being with a cosy success in a Grade Three contest over two miles and five furlongs at Fairyhouse on New Year’s Day. O’Brien is set to run her once more before Cheltenham.

He said: “She’ll have another run in Ireland, in the Opera Hat, which is a mares’ chase at Naas (February 11), and from there she will go straight on to Cheltenham.

“She ran well there last year and we are hoping she will run well there again this year.”



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