Tag Archive for: Leopardstown

The Enabler provides Gordon Elliott with landmark win

The Enabler resisted the late surge of I Am Lorenzo to provide Gordon Elliott with his 2,000th Irish National Hunt winner in the Grant Fit Out Maiden Hurdle at Leopardstown.

A field of 10 runners went to post for the opening contest on the fourth and final day of the Christmas Festival, with Argento Boy the 8-13 favourite for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend in the colours of Galopin Des Champs.

However, he was a spent force from the home turn, whereas The Enabler – second to Argento Boy’s Champion Bumper-winning stablemate Jasmin De Vaux at Navan three weeks ago – galloped on strongly up the straight in the hands of Sam Ewing.

I Am Lorenzo was the one finishing best from the final flight and almost joined The Enabler on the line, but the judge confirmed the latter had held on by a short head.

“He was good and just got a bit close to the last. I’m not sure what his trip is as he wasn’t getting home over three miles and two miles looked too short,” said Elliott.

“Michael and Anita (O’Leary) are racing here today and it’s great to get them a winner. He looks a chaser for next year.”

Gordon Elliott at Leopardstown
Gordon Elliott at Leopardstown (Damien Eagers/PA)

On reaching his latest milestone, the trainer added: “You dream about doing something like that but it’s a testament to all the owners and our staff.

“We have a great bunch of young horses and we have been rebuilding for the last couple of years.”

Ol Man Dingle completed his hat-trick in some style in the SIS Supporting Irish Racing Irish EBF Novice Handicap Hurdle.

Despite successive October wins at Clonmel and Wexford respectively, Eoin Griffin’s charge appeared to a face a stiffer task on his return to action and was priced up accordingly at 20-1.

Ol Man Dingle with connections at Leopardstown
Ol Man Dingle with connections at Leopardstown (Damien Eagers/PA)

However, the five-year-old continued his progress with a dominant display under Ricky Doyle, scoring by four and three-quarter lengths from 11-8 favourite Taponthego.

“Brian (Caherty, owner) has a big crowd down with him from Armagh and I’m delighted for him,” said Griffin.

“We had him kind of laid out for this race. He hadn’t run for a while as we gave him a little break. You are always a little bit apprehensive if you have done enough or given him too much time off, but I couldn’t have been happier with him coming here.

“This was his mid-season target, so we’ll have to reassess things from here.”

Al Gasparo was a 20-1 winner of the Neville Hotels Premier Handicap Hurdle for trainer Gavin Cromwell and 5lb claimer Conor Stone-Walsh.

Cromwell said: “I’d say it’s important for him to be fresh. He’s good when he gets into that rhythm and gets it easy on his own. It was a good performance.

“It’s in the lap of the handicapper now but he’s a lad that will jump a fence.”

The Plusvital Flat Race brought proceedings to a close and Carrigmoornaspruce (10-1) came from last to first to run out an impressive winner under Declan Queally.

“She was unreal. It was kind of the same as Naas the last day,” said the rider.

“We just said to the boys that we would let her gallop around at the back and come home as well as we can. The lads said there is no pressure, look after her and we’re planning on coming here for the mares’ bumper at the Dublin Racing Festival.

“It worked out and she’s a very talented filly.”



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Galopin Des Champs rules supreme once more at Leopardstown

Galopin Des Champs proved himself to be as good as ever with a tremendous success in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown.

Willie Mullins’ eight-year-old – winner of the past two renewals of the Cheltenham Gold Cup – also took this Grade One last season and lined up unbeaten over fences at the Dublin track.

He was the 5-6 favourite under Paul Townend, but had stablemate Fact To File to contend with after being beaten by him when finishing third in the John Durkan Memorial at Punchestown.

Galopin Des Champs made all of the running and set out his stall early, and although Fact To File did give chase in the latter stages he could do little to prevent the winner from crossing the line a power-packed seven and a half lengths ahead.

Christmas Festival – Leopardstown Racecourse – Saturday December 28th
Galopin Des Champs en route to Savills victory (Damien Eagers/PA)

Mullins said: “That was some performance. He put in some fantastic jumps and to win the way he did after giving the other horse a lead the whole way was one of the best performances I have ever seen around here.

“It’s frightening to think he could still be improving and hopefully he hasn’t left his whole season behind him, but what a great day and a great atmosphere with people all around the parade ring.

“He’s done it the hard way and jumped out in front today.”

All smiles from connections of Galopin Des Champs
All smiles from connections of Galopin Des Champs (Damien Eagers/PA)

Of the runner-up, he added: “Fact To File ran a little bit keen. We might change riding instructions for him in future. If he settles he can stay further. He stayed well today, but he’s come up against an exceptional horse.”

Making his return to action was another Mullins-trained runner in the shape of Randox Grand National hero I Am Maximus. Having made a mistake at the seventh fence, he was pulled up by Jody McGarvey before the fifth-last.

Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus, reported: “I Am Maximus is fine, he just made a little mistake and got a little bit tired so Jody pulled him up, but he was fine, no problems.

“He just made the mistake and got a little outpaced and left on his own and Jody just pulled him up.”



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Home By The Lee continues ‘dream’ run for Joseph O’Brien

Home By Lee regained his Savills Hurdle title in good style at Leopardstown, as Joseph O’Brien’s Christmas hot streak continued apace.

O’Brien’s charge took the race in 2022, but was fifth of six last year, although he returned in good form this season to take the Lismullen Hurdle in mid-November.

The J J Slevin-trained 15-8 favourite was produced for his challenge to perfection to prevail by six lengths from Bob Olinger.

In doing so he was giving O’Brien a third Grade One of the Christmas period, after Banbridge in the King George at Kempton Park on Thursday and Solness in the Paddy’s Rewards Club Chase at Leopardstown on Friday.

O’Brien said: “He’s been a good horse for a few years now and it was a really good reappearance in Navan the last day.

“His best runs have been with the blinkers before. He’s always less enthusiastic on his second run and we were worried that he may do a bit too much with the blinkers back on.

“J J got him settled and into a lovely rhythm and I’m delighted for Sean and Rose (O’Driscoll, owners) and all their friends. This horse has a big following and is a special horse.

Home By The Lee after his Leopardstown success
Home By The Lee after his Leopardstown success (Damien Eagers/PA)

“I’d say that was close to a career-best from him. He’s been around for a number of years now and will go back to Cheltenham with an each-way chance.”

Of his recent run of form, O’Brien added: “It’s been a really good week.

“Solness has been a good consistent horse, but J J found a good strip of ground all the way and Banbridge was going to be in the mix if he stayed and Paul (Townend) gave him a fantastic ride.

“Rarely things fall into place the way like you dream they could, but this week it has for us.”



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Kaid d’Authie puts Mullins back on the winning path

Willie Mullins’ Christmas fortunes took a turn for the better as Kaid d’Authie impressed to win the Savills Maiden Hurdle at Leopardstown.

The four-year-old had made only one prior start for his powerhouse stable, having been fifth behind now-stablemate Majborough at Auteuil in April last year for previous connections.

His first run for Mullins and new owner JP McManus was luckless as he fell at Navan in early December, but still he was a 7-2 chance on his third attempt over hurdles.

Under Paul Townend he looked comfortable throughout the two-mile-four-furlong affair, happily staying on to a straightforward half-length victory from Henry de Bromhead’s Koktail Divin.

“He’s a lovely big, long-striding horse who has very little respect for his hurdles and looks like he could be more of a chaser,” said Mullins, who had endured a thin spell by his standards over the first two days of the festive racing period.

“He’s a big chasing type and is similar to Majborough. They both cover a huge amount of ground when they gallop.

“I’d say he’ll come back here for the Dublin Racing Festival and take on the top two-milers and we’ll see where he is then.”

The Mercedes Benz South Dublin Handicap Hurdle went the way of Ross O’Sullivan’s Giant Haystacks (15-2), who prevailed by a length and a half under Tom Harney.

The trainer said: “We all had gloomy faces after being beaten in Clonmel the last day, but it’s all worked out for the best.

“All the lads (Keep It Simple Syndicate) are from Clane and are a great bunch of lads and they will have great craic in Clane tonight!”

The Ballymaloe Relish Rising Stars Beginners Chase was won by Gordon Elliott’s Dee Capo, who was steered by Danny Gilligan to victory by a neck at a price of 15-2.

“He’s a nice horse and was running a good race the last day in Navan when he made the mistake and fell two out,” said Elliott.

“He can go out in trip and he showed a good attitude galloping out to the line.”



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Brighterdaysahead all set for round two with State Man

Connections feel Brighterdaysahead is still the “pretender” as their star mare attempts to confirm the form of her brilliant Morgiana Hurdle victory over State Man in the Neville Hotels Hurdle at Leopardstown.

Held in the highest regard, the sole blip in the career of Gordon Elliott’s ultra-talented five-year-old came when second to Jeremy Scott’s Golden Ace at the Cheltenham Festival.

However, she has since shown her true potential with a devastating display at Aintree to finish her novice season in style and two superb victories in open company this term.

Brighterdaysahead has shown star quality so far
Brighterdaysahead has shown star quality so far (Nigel French for the Jockey Club/PA)

The most recent of those successes came when lowering the colours of the reigning Champion Hurdler at Punchestown, but Brighterdaysahead had a fitness edge on that occasion and her team are expecting to tackle a better State Man for round two of their rivalry, in a race Willie Mullins’ crack two-miler has won for the past two years.

“We had the advantage last time because we had a run under our belts and he didn’t so we’re going to meet a much fitter State Man this time,” said Eddie O’Leary of Brighterdaysahead’s owners Gigginstown House Stud.

“State Man is the reigning champ and we’re still the pretender – State Man is a real champ.

“We think she is a very good mare and Gordon is very happy with her at home and hopefully all goes well, but we are still the pretender and we’re under no illusions. If we’re beaten then we’re beaten and we’ll go to the Mares’ Hurdle then.”

Mullins has won this race a record 11 times and along with State Man is responsible for four of the seven runners, including Morgiana third Winter Fog, Daddy Long Legs and Mystical Power.

The latter upheld his fearsome reputation last season, with the son of Galileo and Quevega claiming the Moscow Flyer before gaining compensation for a near miss in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle with Grade One victories at both Aintree and Punchestown in the spring.

Sent off joint-favourite at Newcastle for the Fighting Fifth he failed to land a glove on impressive winner Sir Gino, but his powerful connections are keen to forget about that disappointing return, despite admitting it will be tough for the five-year-old to usurp State Man as the Closutton number one in this division.

Mystical Power was a winner at Aintree in the spring
Mystical Power was a winner at Aintree in the spring (Mike Egerton/PA)

“Willie couldn’t find anything wrong with him after Newcastle and nothing came to light so we basically draw a line through it and it was too bad a run to be true,” said Frank Berry, racing manager for JP McManus, who owns the regally-bred gelding alongside Rich Ricci and Coolmore.

“I do think he has a mountain to climb to beat State Man myself, he’s one of the top horses in this division.

“However, they seem happy with Mystical Power and hopefully he can run a good race.”

In a race where only the Irish powerhouses of Mullins and Elliott provide runners, the field is complete by Brighterdaysahead’s stablemates King Of Kingsfield and Fils d’Oudairies.



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Romeo Coolio leads home Elliott one-two at Leopardstown

Romeo Coolio bounced back to winning ways with an authoritative display in the Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown.

Gordon Elliott has always thought the world of the five-year-old, but he was beaten in the Royal Bond at Fairyhouse last time out.

Nevertheless, he was sent off the 7-4 favourite to go one better in this Grade One and the result never looked in doubt.

An early mistake from Karniquet meant he was always on the back foot and he dropped away before the turn for home, which left Bleu De Vassy, a stablemate of the winner, as the main danger.

Romeo Coolio quickened away on the run to the last and had the race in safe keeping, only to make a bit of a mess of it, but it was to his credit that Sam Ewing gathered his reins and he was soon back in top gear.

He went on to win by an impressive nine lengths and was halved in price from 20-1 to 10-1 for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle by Betfair.

“Obviously it didn’t go to plan the last day and we all went home a bit disappointed,” said Elliott.

“I’m delighted for the boys, they are back over here today. I’m very proud of the horse, and the boys that own him, as they are big supporters of Cullentra.

“He had a little blip the last day and we’re very happy.

“Looking at that today, I’d say just a fast gallop is what he needs. He looked good there today.

“We said after the last day, we were going to go on and keep it simple.

“I’d imagine he’ll probably go for the Supreme Novices’.”



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Galopin Des Champs ready to defend formidable Leopardstown record

Paul Townend is welcoming a return to Leopardstown for dual Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Galopin Des Champs, as the duo prepare to lock horns with stablemate and John Durkan Memorial conqueror Fact To File in a mouthwatering Savills Chase.

The Willie Mullins-trained pair were split by Jimmy Mangan’s Spillane’s Tower when fighting out a pulsating finish to the Punchestown feature last month, with Fact To File’s victory seeing him join Galopin Des Champs at the head of the betting with most firms for next year’s Gold Cup.

However, they first face a rematch over an extended three miles at a track where Galopin Des Champs is unbeaten in five starts over fences, winning this particular contest in emphatic fashion 12 months ago.

His big-race pilot is relishing taking on Fact To File again in “our playground” and is confident the eight-year-old can step forward from his seasonal reappearance.

“I can’t wait to get back on him,” said Townend.

“I hope he has what it takes to turn the tables on Fact To File. I thought he would step up big time from the John Durkan.

“Who knows, and Fact To File is entitled to step up as well, but Leopardstown is our playground and I think it’s down to him to come and beat us again.”

A return to three miles should hold no fears for Fact To File, who showcased his talent over that distance at the Cheltenham Festival in March and also brings winning course form to the table.

However, despite downing a two-time Gold Cup champion on his return, his owner JP McManus is refusing to anoint him a blue riband winner in waiting just yet, with connections respectful of the challenge that awaits at the Dublin venue.

Fact To File en route to winning the John Durkan
Fact To File en route to winning the John Durkan (Niall Carson/PA)

“I’m nervous, fingers crossed,” said McManus. “He did it well that day (in the John Durkan).”

McManus’ racing manager Frank Berry added: “He has come out of the John Durkan very well and Willie is very happy with him, we’re looking forward to seeing him run.

“I thought Galopin Des Champs ran a blinder at Punchestown and it looks like he is better round Leopardstown. He was very impressive there last season and he is going to be a very hard horse to beat.”

Fact To File is one of three in the race sporting the famous green and gold silks, alongside Grand National-winning stablemate I Am Maximus and Gavin Cromwell’s Inothewayurthinkin, a winner at both the Cheltenham Festival and Aintree in the spring.

Berry added: “We’re looking forward to seeing I Am Maximus back out, he’s in good form and it will be interesting to see how he runs.

I Am Maximus triumphed at Aintree in the spring
I Am Maximus triumphed at Aintree in the spring (Mike Egerton/PA)

“The other horse is a bit ground dependent and we will have to see how the conditions are for him. He likes a good dig in it, but he’s in good form and if it’s OK for him, we hope he could run a nice race.”

Mullins is responsible for five of the nine, with Grangeclare West and Minella Cocooner the others on the Closutton teamsheet.

There is also Grade One action in the Savills Hurdle, where King George-winning trainer Joseph O’Brien attempts to extend his joyous festive period with Home By The Lee.

A winner of this race two years ago, he readily accounted for the reopposing Bob Olinger in the Lismullen Hurdle at Navan and is primed to go toe-to-toe with Henry de Bromhead’s evergreen star once more.

O’Brien said: “He comes here in good form and has had a good preparation – he’s trained well since Navan. We’re looking forward to getting him out again.

“He’s going off the back of the most enthusiasm he has shown in a race for some while the last day, so we’re excited to go back to Leopardstown where he has performed well in the past – and hopefully he can run a good race.”

The contest also features Hewick switching to hurdles on his first start for temporary trainer Tara Lee Cogan, the mercurial Asterion Forlonge and Emmet Mullins’ 2022 Grand National winner Noble Yeats.



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Solness strike keeps the Joseph O’Brien bandwagon rolling

Solness rewarded the faith of connections who supplemented him into the Paddy’s Rewards Club Chase at Leopardstown to give Joseph O’Brien a second Grade One success of the Christmas period.

Just 24 hours on from watching Banbridge win the King George VI Chase at Kempton, O’Brien was back home in Ireland to witness the 28-1 scorer lead his rivals a merry dance.

Well beaten behind Jonbon in the Tingle Creek last time out, J J Slevin took no prisoners on the six-year-old and after an early skirmish for the lead, was soon out in front charting a wide passage.

One by one, the big hitters like Gaelic Warrior, Found A Fifty, Dinoblue and Marine Nationale were sending out distress signals, as Solness maintained his advantage at the head of affairs.

Gaelic Warrior, having his first run of the season, did stay on past Marine Nationale to finish second, but was still three and three-quarter lengths behind the victor.

Solness was introduced into the Champion Chase betting at 25-1 by Paddy Power, while Gaelic Warrior was pushed out to 5-1 from 7-2. Jonbon was tightened at the head of the betting to 2-1 from 5-2.

“I actually had this lad in the mile-and-a-half maiden at Dundalk last Friday!” said O’Brien.

“Ground is important to him. I spoke to J J before and he felt that he’d go wide and find the driest strip of ground that he could find.

“He jumped fantastic and looked to be going very smooth all the way through the race.”

Solness clears the last in style
Solness clears the last in style (Damien Eagers/PA)

The winner was added to proceedings at a cost of €12,500 and O’Brien added: “I probably should have had him in it, to be honest, but the race closed before he ran very well in Navan in graded company.

“Since then, he looked like he was competing at this level, so we had a discussion the other morning and I thought he could sneak into the first three – and he had to be third to get the money back.

“We said we’d take a chance and I’m delighted to win.”

Solness was hampered when losing out narrowly to Found A Fifty at Navan and O’Brien said: “Some days you get the rub of the green and some days you don’t, but we were very happy with the run. What we learned that day was that he could mix it with the graded two-milers.

“Coming here today, we thought he had a real live each-way chance but the ground was a little bit slower than he maybe ideally likes. We said we’d go as wide as we can to get the best strip we can.

“He just got into a great rhythm. I think he made one mistake down the back but he was on the bridle straight away and jumped fantastic from there on.

“I’m delighted for J J as well, to get a Grade One here this week is very special.

“He had a tough day yesterday, getting a couple of falls after being just back from injury. He gave him the most fantastic ride.

“He’s been a great horse for the owners. He’s won a whole bunch of races – hurdles and chases. We’re going to go back and win a Flat race at some stage with him as well.

“I think he’ll head on to a Champion Chase and be an outside contender.”

Marine Nationale in action at Leopardstown
Marine Nationale in action at Leopardstown (Niall Carson/PA)

Barry Connell was pleased with the performance of Marine Nationale in finishing third.

He said: “He was only beaten four lengths. He’s had very little experience over fences and I thought his jumping was very good.

“He had a good blow after it and I think he’s coming forward. I’d like to think he’ll come back for the Dublin Racing Festival and he’ll take another step forward.”

When asked if he could aim at the Champion Chase, Connell added: “Absolutely, why not? He’s finished right alongside Gaelic Warrior who is second-favourite for it.”



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Jeannot Lapin produces 150-1 shock at Leopardstown

Jeannot Lapin caused a 150-1 surprise when making a winning debut under rules in the Paddy Power From The Horses Mouth Podcast Beginners Chase at Leopardstown.

Having failed to win in three point-to-points, the giant Gearoid O’Loughlin-trained five-year-old travelled sweetly throughout, defying his huge odds.

With the Willie Mullins-trained favourite It’s For Me pulled up early on by Daryl Jacob, it was What’s Up Darling who chased the winner home.

“I expected him to run really well as his home work had been very good. I thought he was a proper horse,” said O’Loughlin.

“I bought him in Doncaster off Sam Curling for £3,000, Dominic (Jones) was looking for a horse. I couldn’t find what was wrong with him and obviously there is nothing wrong with him. He was maybe a bit sick when he ran in his point-to-points or something.

“He’s from the family of Epatante and is by Doctor Dino so I wouldn’t say he stays three miles.

“He did a piece of work around Tipperary two weeks ago and showed me enough to say he’d be competitive in one of these. He was entitled to be here. He’s massive and he was a shell in May. To be fair to his owner Dominic he brought him home and fed him all through the summer.

“There is no plan, the plan was today as he wanted a runner here. He sent me off to buy a horse and I got one for three grand to run in Leopardstown at Christmas.

“I’ve never had a horse as big as him, maybe a hunter!”

Wendrock (left) takes up the running at the last
Wendrock (left) takes up the running at the last (Damien Eagers/PA)

Wendrock took the scalp of classy Flat performer Galileo Dame to get off the mark for Gordon Elliott in the three-year-old maiden hurdle.

Bought by Gigginstown House Stud for 82,000 guineas having finished third twice on the level for Lucinda Russell, he put the experience of his hurdling debut to good use.

Joseph O’Brien’s Galileo Dame had been sent off favourite for the Cheshire Oaks in May and went on to finish second in two Listed races. But her jumping left plenty to be desired and she just held off Noel Meade’s promising Money Dancer for second.

“That was grand. He doesn’t do anything flashy at home, but he has a good attitude and you’d like the way he went there,” said Elliott of the 3-1 winner.

“I’d imagine he’ll come back here for the Dublin Racing Festival, but to be honest I’d say he’s more of a Fred Winter horse than a Grade One horse.

“He’ll need another run to qualify so he’ll probably end up coming back for that and that will tell us where to go.”

He added: “We have one or two nice ones at home to run. We’re a bit short this year, but have a nice horse that came from France, he could probably end up coming here for the Grade One.”

Perceval Legallois and Mark Walsh
Perceval Legallois and Mark Walsh (Damien Eagers/PA)

Gavin Cromwell’s Perceval Legallois (17-2) finally landed the big pot he has so often promised in the Paddy Power Chase.

“This horse has threatened to win a big one for a long time. He kept going up in the handicap and I thought his chance was gone to be honest,” said Cromwell.

“Mark (Walsh) gave him a great ride, he took his time and stayed wide for the better ground. It’s great.

“I don’t know where he goes now, we’ll enjoy this one anyway.”

Local trainer Barry Connell was delighted to bag a winner at the meeting when his Enniskerry (9-1) caught Pinot Gris right on the line to win the Spinal Injuries Ireland Handicap Hurdle.

“It’s brilliant to have it here. At Christmas and the Dublin Racing Festival, that’s where arguably the racing is most competitive, and obviously at Punchestown in the spring,” said Connell.

Enniskerry and Sean Flannagan left it late
Enniskerry and Sean Flannagan left it late (Damien Eagers/PA)

“I love having winners here and that horse is special because we’ve had him for seven or eight years. He’s kind of the pet of the yard. He could be a horse for the Grand Annual, he has that sort of profile.”

There was a shock in the bumper when Colm Ryan’s Karate Kid (18-1) ran out a decisive winner – a first for the trainer.

“It’s terrific. John (Hayes, owner who trained him for his first run) is busy farming and it was very kind of him to give him to me after his last run,” said Ryan.

“He’s quite a smart horse. Ray (Barron) probably went too soon, he gave him a terrific ride but he just ran about in front.

“I suppose he could be sold now. I just have five stores and this fella, he’s the only horse I have to run.”



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Croke Park best in Elliott-dominated Leopardstown feature

Croke Park narrowly denied his better-fancied stablemate Better Days Ahead in a thrilling finish to the Racing Post Long Distance Novice Chase at Leopardstown.

Just four runners went to post for the Grade One contest, with Paul Gilligan’s stable star Buddy One the only opposition to three runners for Gordon Elliott.

Better Days Ahead was the 10-11 favourite off the back of an impressive chasing debut success at Navan last month, with Stellar Story next in at 11-4 and and Croke Park third best according to the market at 7-2, despite winning the Grade One Drinmore Novice Chase at Fairyhouse last time out.

In a race run in thick fog, Croke Park and Better Days Ahead emerged clear of the other two and while Better Days Ahead was finishing the stronger, his stable companion clung on by a head.

Buddy One was 19 lengths behind in third, with Stellar Story a tailed-off last of four.

“Obviously he came from the point-to-point field. He’s a very tough horse, honest and a great jumper. We’re absolutely delighted with the performance today,” Elliott said of the winner, who is now three from three over fences.

“I couldn’t see much of the race, but it’s great to win it. To be honest he (Croke Park) disappointed me so much as a hurdler last year, we had such expectations for him but he was probably so big and weak.

“He’s come back there now and has two Grade Ones won this season so I’m delighted for connections.”

Jockey Sam Ewing with Croke Park after their victory at Leopardstown
Jockey Sam Ewing with Croke Park after their victory at Leopardstown (Brian Lawless/PA)

Betfair left Croke Park unchanged at 16-1 for the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival and there appears to every chance he will head straight there.

Elliott added: “He’s been busy enough and probably doesn’t need to run again before Cheltenham. I don’t think he wants real winter heavy ground.

“He maybe didn’t jump as well as he did the last day. Sam (Ewing) said he slipped going into the first.

“The second horse didn’t lose much in defeat either, probably more of a test will suit him. He was well up after the line.

“Even when he won the Martin Pipe in Cheltenham he looked like a real stayer. As he’s named, there will be Better Days Ahead.”



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Kopek Des Bordes obliges on jumping bow at Leopardstown

Kopek Des Bordes got the Christmas Festival at Leopardstown off to a flying start for Willie and Patrick Mullins with a clear-cut success in the TRI Equestrian Maiden Hurdle.

An impressive winner of a valuable sales bumper at Fairyhouse in the spring, Kopek Des Bordes (4-6 favourite) was making his seasonal reappearance and hurdling debut and tracked the pacesetting Whinney Hill from flag-fall.

The market leader was not always convincing in the jumping department, but was travelling best rounding the home turn and found plenty after safely negotiating the final flight to score by two and three-quarter lengths from his staying-on stablemate Kawaboomga.

Mullins, who elected to stay on home soil instead of travelling to Kempton to see Lossiemouth take on Constitution Hill in the Christmas Hurdle, said: “It was a very good performance considering he got unsighted at the first and Patrick said it just unnerved him for the rest of the race.

“He didn’t jump properly, he’s a way better jumper than that. I’m hoping there is a lot of improvement in his jumping.

“He looks a tip-top animal. We’ve always thought a fair bit of him.

“He’d want to brush up his jumping, but he’d look like one that could maybe come back here for a Grade One at the Dublin Racing Festival. He looks to have that type of an engine.”

Willie Mullins at Leopardstown
Willie Mullins at Leopardstown (Brian Lawless/PA)

The champion trainer looked to have every chance of completing a quickfire double in the Thorntons Recycling Maiden Hurdle, but even-money favourite Redemption Day could finish only fourth as Henry de Bromhead’s Workahead dominated proceedings under Mike O’Connor.

The 13-2 shot finished third behind last season’s Champion Bumper winner Jasmin De Vaux on his hurdling bow at Navan three weeks ago and confirmed that promise with a seven-length verdict.

“That was great, a nice little Christmas present,” said O’Connor.

“We were hoping that he’d improve off the last day and he did, he put his best foot forward today.”

Hello Neighbour returns to the Leopardstown winner's enclosure
Hello Neighbour returns to the Leopardstown winner’s enclosure (Gary Carson/PA)

Hello Neighbour made a winning start to his jumping career in the O’Driscolls Irish Whiskey Juvenile Hurdle.

Two from two on the Flat after scoring at Navan and Roscommon, Gavin Cromwell’s three-year-old was the 9-4 favourite to make a successful switch to obstacles and looked to travel well for much of the Grade Two contest in the hands of Keith Donoghue.

As the leaders emerged from the gathering fog on the run-in, Hello Neighbour held a narrow advantage over Lady Vega Allen and while the latter was finishing the stronger, Cromwell’s runner clung on in a thriller by a short head.

Paddy Power cut Hello Neighbour to 5-1 from 10-1 for the Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

Cromwell said: “That was great. It was a brave call to come here on his first start (over hurdles) and thankfully he hung on.

“He was keen in snatches in the race and because of that he didn’t jump as well as he can do.

“I think when he learns to settle better in races he’ll be better again. It’s a good result.”



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Patrick Mullins excited to be going back into battle with Gaelic Warrior

Following a memorable success together last Christmas for a variety of different reasons, Patrick Mullins and Gaelic Warrior will be reunited in the Paddy’s Rewards Club Chase at Leopardstown.

The partnership claimed what was ultimately a clear-cut Grade One victory in the Faugheen Novice Chase at Limerick 12 months ago, but what happened post-race grabbed the headlines.

Gaelic Warrior got in a minor barging match with stablemate Il Etait Temps on the run to the penultimate fence and Patrick Mullins appeared to react angrily to that incident, berating his cousin Danny as the pair pulled up after the winning line.

Speaking afterwards, Patrick said: “I told Danny going out that there will be a gap on my inside going down to the second-last and ‘do not come for it’ but he hasn’t listened to me. Luckily it didn’t get the two of us beaten.” While Willie Mullins added: “I had my son and my nephew trying to kill each other!”

Both riders made light of the incident once the dust had settled and both horses went on to enjoy fine campaigns, with Gaelic Warrior claiming Cheltenham Festival glory in the Arkle.

The six-year-old will be a warm order to bag another big-race success on Friday, but with his mount having been off the track since being beaten by Il Etait Temps at Punchestown in the spring, Patrick Mullins is taking nothing for granted.

He said: “I’m delighted to get back on Gaelic Warrior – hopefully Danny doesn’t put his nose where he shouldn’t this year!

“Leopardstown maybe hasn’t seen him at his best in the past and obviously he’s making his first start of the season against horses who have had a run, so it won’t be straightforward.

“He is the best horse in the race, but if there is a day that he might be vulnerable this year, it might be this. But we’re very happy with him at home and we’re expecting a big run and I can’t wait to get back on him.”

Gaelic Warrior is one of four runners for Willie Mullins, with Danny aboard Gentleman De Mee, Mark Walsh riding Dinoblue and Daryl Jacob partnering Blue Lord.

Marine Nationale winning at Leopardstown last year
Marine Nationale winning at Leopardstown last year (Niall Carson/PA)

Gordon Elliott’s Found A Fifty is bang-in-form following successive Grade Two wins, while Barry Connell is confident of a bold showing from his stable star Marine Nationale, who blew away any cobwebs when second to Quilixios in a Grade Three at Naas last month.

Connell said: “As you know, he had a shortened season last year, so he was kind of light on experience going into Naas. We’ve given him a racecourse school since then and we were very happy with the way he jumped.

“He’s going to relish the good ground tomorrow – it’s probably the first time since he won his maiden hurdle that he’s got the proper good ground that he wants.

“He’s a course and distance winner and we couldn’t be happier with the way he’s working, so we’re expecting him to be very competitive.

“They’re all there, but we wouldn’t swap our guy for anything else. We have him in the shape we want him and we think conditions will suit.”

Henry de Bromhead’s Queen Mother Champion Chase hero Captain Guinness also features in a quality field.



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Brighterdaysahead set for State Man rematch then Mares’ Hurdle

Gordon Elliott’s rising star Brighterdaysahead is likely to line up for the December Hurdle at Leopardstown next, but the Mares’ Hurdle route still looks to beckon come Cheltenham.

The five-year-old has been beaten only once in nine runs under rules, when second to Golden Ace at the Festival last season, and outside of that loss has an impressive record over trips varying from two miles to two miles and five furlongs.

She signed off last season with a Group One win in the Mersey Novices’ Hurdle, and this term took the Grade Three Bottlegreen Hurdle at Down Royal before claiming a notable scalp in the shape of State Man when landing the Morgiana.

Leopardstown’s December Hurdle on the 28th is her intended next start, with the Mares’ Hurdle then looking the more tempting avenue at the Cheltenham Festival, despite her defeat of the reigning Champion Hurdle hero.

“She’s in at Leopardstown, she’s in the two and the three mile (races). The plan is two but we never say never, so we’ll leave her in everything and have a chat with Michael and Eddie (O’Leary, owners) and see what we do,” Elliott told Sky Sports Racing.

Punchestown Races – Saturday November 23rd
Brighterdaysahead (left) defeating State Man (Damian Eagers/PA)

“I’d imagine we’ll head for the two-mile race, we’ll have to take on State Man again and he’d be very hard to beat, but it’s the obvious route for us to go and then onto the Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, all being well.”

Of his reasoning for favouring the Mares’ Hurdle, the trainer singled out the Willie Mullins-trained current Champion Hurdle co-favourite Lossiemouth.

He said: “There’s a mare called Lossiemouth…I’m a big believer in running in the races you can win.

“If I’m at Cheltenham on the Tuesday after winning the Mares’ Hurdle and she won 10 lengths and something happened to Lossiemouth or State Man, you’d be a bit disappointed – but at the same time, the ideal race for her looks the Mares’ Hurdle.

“We don’t really know how good she is, she doesn’t do anything at home and she doesn’t even do anything fancy in a race but she just keeps winning and she’s got a big heart – you’d have to love her.”

Elliott also trains the similarly-named Better Days Ahead, who won his first start of the term when defeating Slade Steel on his chase debut and will head for the Long Distance Novice Chase at Leopardstown on Boxing Day.

“He’ll go for the three-miler at Leopardstown, he did it very well in Navan the last day,” the trainer said of his Cheltenham Festival scorer.

“The Martin Pipe is a great stepping stone for those horses and he looked a big chaser in the making. We’ll go for the three miles in Leopardstown and hope the ground won’t be too quick.”

A chaser not guaranteed to appear over Christmas is last season’s Gold Cup runner-up Gerri Colombe, who produced a below-par run when third in the Champion Chase at Down Royal in early November.

He now has a piece of work to do at home before his entry in the Savills Chase is confirmed.

“He disappointed me, to be honest. He never took hold of the bridle,” said Elliott.

“We have him in at Leopardstown at Christmas, I worked him on Sunday and he worked well, but I wouldn’t say he was just there yet.

Randox Grand National 2024 – Opening Day – Aintree Racecourse
Gerri Colombe winning the Bowl at Aintree (David Davies/PA)

“He’s doing another bit of work this week for me to be 100 per cent we’re going to go to Leopardstown, we’ll see how he goes later in the week.

“He was very disappointing and we’ve just got to put a line through it and move forward.”

To a far lesser extent, plans are still fluid for Found A Fifty, who will most likely stick on home turf for the Paddy’s Rewards Club Chase, but does also have an entry for the King George at Kempton.

Elliott said: “I think we’ll go to Leopardstown for a two-mile chase. We’ll probably leave him in at Kempton and make a decision nearer the time but I’m leaning towards Leopardstown now.

“It’s 80-20 he’ll go to Leopardstown but never say never, we’ll leave him in there (at Kempton) and keep all our options open.”



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Cromwell wants more cut underfoot for Inothewayurthinkin

Gavin Cromwell expects the step up in trip to be in Inothewayurthinkin’s favour in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown – but he has warned that the ground needs to be soft enough for him to run.

An easy winner at the Cheltenham Festival in March when turning the Kim Muir into something of a procession, he then handled a rise to Grade One company with aplomb at Aintree.

Inothewayurthinkin began this campaign over two and a half miles in the John Durkan but finished well beaten behind Fact To File and is on course to meet the same rival over Christmas, although Cromwell has warned that quick ground would rule him out.

“The plan is to run in the Savills. I thought he ran OK in Punchestown, he jumped really well. When they turned in, the front ones quickened away from him but he stayed going all the way to the line,” said Cromwell.

“He got a little bit tired but two and a half miles would be his minimum and the step up to three miles will be a big help.

“The ground is a concern with the forecast. He’ll definitely want an ease in it and he potentially might not run.”

In an update on Tuesday, clerk of the course Lorcan Wyer described the chase course as good to yielding, yielding in places.

Cromwell expects to be busy over the four-day meeting and went on to pick out some of his more noteworthy runners on a press morning at his yard.

“Perceval Legallois is in the Paddy Power,” said the trainer. “He’s been a very frustrating horse. He’s gone up to a mark that hopefully he could win one of those big ones.

“He needs everything to fall his way. He’s had plenty of hard luck stories along the way and he’s crept up the handicap without winning, but hopefully he’ll have his day. If the ground is on the better side, it won’t be a problem to him.

“If You Let Me is a horse that is starting to go the right way and will run in the two-mile handicap. He’d love a bit of nice ground and we’re happy with him.

“Visionairian will go for the Grade One (Paddy’s Rewards Club Chase). Obviously, on ratings he’s a little bit behind but hopefully he’d have a place chance.”

Cromwell did highlight the claims of Hello Neighbour, who is now going juvenile hurdling after being unbeaten in two runs on the Flat.

“Hello Neighbour is an interesting three-year-old that we are excited about,” he said.

“He will have an entry in the three-year-old maiden hurdle and he’ll also have an entry in the Grade Two and we’ll have a look and see.

“Often, the maiden can nearly be as good as the Grade Two. I suppose he’s the one we’re most looking forward to at Christmas, even though he’s never run before.”



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O’Leary wary of State Man challenge for Brighterdaysahead

Connections of Brighterdaysahead expect to face a “much better” State Man at Leopardstown later this month, with the pair set for a mouthwatering rematch in the December Hurdle.

In the absence of Constitution Hill, the Willie Mullins-trained State Man carried all before him last season, successfully defending the Morgiana Hurdle, the December Hurdle, the Irish Champion Hurdle and the Punchestown Champion Hurdle, as well as lifting the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.

He was a short price to make it a Morgiana hat-trick at Punchestown last month, but suffered only his second defeat in 14 completed starts over hurdles for Mullins at the hands of Gordon Elliott’s exciting mare Brighterdaysahead.

However, the latter did have the benefit of race fitness after wining on her reappearance at Down Royal three weeks earlier and Eddie O’Leary of Gigginstown House Stud believes she will face a tough test in her bid to confirm the placings over the festive period.

“Hopefully she’ll go to Leopardstown and we’ll see what happens there. She’ll meet a much better State Man, so we’ll see,” he said.

While Elliott admitted in the aftermath of Brighterdaysahead’s Morgiana success that the Mares’ Hurdle would be the five-year-old most likely Festival target, he was not ruling out a tilt at Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham in March.

If she were to beat State Man again at Leopardstown, calls would inevitably grow for her to take on the boys, but O’Leary expects her to opt for the easier option.

He added: “We’re going to the Mares’ Hurdle and we’ll be going chasing next year, not hurdling.

“We’ll go to Leopardstown at Christmas because there’s nowhere else to go. We’d much rather be going two and a half miles, but there is nowhere else to go.”



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