Five to watch from Killarney: A Supreme Novice third vying for Cheltenham glory four years on

In the final two days of the Killarney Festival, James Stevens picks out some runners who you should keep an eye on.

Brutal - 7:10 Friday
The burgundy colours of Qatar aren't often seen jumping hurdles, but Brutal may be a trendsetter. Gordon Elliott's three-year-old looks a smart prospect, having a flat rating of 101 and finishing fifth in the Group One Racing Post Trophy as a juvenile. He made a fine introduction to hurdles, winning a maiden event at Cork in good fashion. This test is tougher, but he's currently the favourite for the 2018 Triumph Hurdle and expectations are very high.

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Timiyan was a former winner on the flat for Dermot Weld

Timiyan - 7:40 Friday
Timiyan has the profile of a horse that can win a big handicap at the Cheltenham Festival. Gordon Elliott thinks very highly of this horse, who was an impressive winner on two starts earlier this season. He struggled last time in the Galway Hurdle, but is clearly much better than that, and looks to be progressing. This is a six-year-old with a big win in him.

Cymro - 1:30 Saturday
Making his hurdles and stable debut is Cymro, who has switched from Cheshire-based Tom Dascombe's yard to join Joseph O'Brien. He was a very good horse on the flat, rated 105, who once beat a great horse in Sir Issac Newton in a maiden. He even ran well in the Ormonde Stakes, finishing two lengths off a Group Three win. Nobody has a real idea of how good he will be over hurdles, but on his flat record he could be very good.

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Rathvinden was five lengths off Cheltenham glory in the 2014 Supreme Novice Hurdle

Rathvinden - 3:45 Saturday
For Willie Mullins' Rathvinden chasing has been all too easy. The nine-year-old has been absent for a number of years, and has always been a smart horse in the Closutton yard. He was third in the Supreme Novices back in 2014, beaten not too far by stable companion Faugheen. Four years later he's novice chasing, and going very well too. He finished second when needing the run at Ballinrobe, but has won his last two very easily. He will be well fancied to complete a hat-trick.

Santiago De Cuba - 4:55
In a intriguing bumper event, another for Joseph O'Brien who is out to prove his promise. He made a winning start on his debut, beating some good sorts in good style at this track a month ago. This four-year-old is bred pretty well and could be a Champion Bumper horse if he lives up to expectations. Willie Mullins' pair Poet Power and Vittorio look to be a big challenge, as does Gavin Cronwell's Soleglad.

Mullins unleashes latest stable star: Mares Novice Hurdle contender Shanning makes her debut at Sligo

Willie Mullins' exciting Mares Novices Hurdle prospect Shanning makes her hurdling debut at Sligo (5:20) this evening.

The four-year-old has already made a winning start to her career, taking a French maiden by one and a half lengths on her only visit to the racecourse.

Owned by the Supreme Racing Club, she joins a strong team of improving jumpers including Bunk Off Early, Listen Dear and Group One winning Airlie Beach.

"Shanning has her first run for us in the mares maiden hurdle over two miles," Mullins told his website.

"This is her hurdling debut, but she has schooled well at home."

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The Supreme Racing Club enjoyed Grade One success with Airlie Beach last season

"Her homework is good and this looks like an ideal starting point for her hurdling career.

"Hopefully she will have the measure of these rivals."

Shanning's long term target could be the Dawn Run Mares Novices' Hurdle at the 2018 Cheltenham Festival, where she is currently priced at 20-1.

Her County Carlow trainer has won both renewals of the Grade Two event since it joined the Festival's racecard in 2016.

However this evening she is currently priced at 4/9 to take the Diageo Mares Maiden Hurdle at Sligo.

Her biggest threat according to the form book is Liam Lennon's Amarillo Rose, who finished third last time out.

Willie Mullins expecting big season ahead from Supreme runner-up Melon

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Willie Mullins has revealed he's been impressed by Melon, who was narrowly beaten on only his second start over hurdles at this year's Cheltenham Festival.

The five-year-old was well fancied to win the Supreme despite only experiencing hurdles once in his career, when a ten length winner at Leopardstown.

With top rider Ruby Walsh on board he only found quirky 50-1 shot Labaik too good, to lose out by two lengths to Gordon Elliott's hurdler.

He finished off the year second best once again, finishing a length off stable rival Cilaos Emery in Punchestown's Champion Novice Hurdle.

"Melon has come back very strong," said Mullins.

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Melon would've been the least experienced winner of the Supreme in 25 years, but 50-1 shot Labaik defeated him.

"He's in good form and, while he could go the novice chase route, we'd probably be angling towards a hurdling campaign.

"He was very inexperienced going to Cheltenham last year."

Melon is currently priced as high as 25-1 for next year's Champion Hurdle, which could see him clash with the likes of Triumph winner Defi Du Seuil, and former winners Faugheen and Buveur D'Air.

But should Mullins opt to follow the novice chasing route, his former French flat winner is a 16-1 shot for the Arkle.

Leading Festival fancy Airlie Beach out to prove Grade One winning credentials on the flat

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Airlie Beach, who lost her seven race unbeaten record at the Cheltenham Festival, is expected to break her flat maiden at Tramore this evening (8:20).

Willie Mullins' star hurdler hasn't tasted victory since her impressive victory in Fairyhouse's Grade One Royal Bond Novice Hurdle in December.

The seven-year-old was fancied in the Mares Novice Hurdle at the Festival, but was extremely disappointing when only defeating two rivals, in a race won by stable companion Let's Dance.

She wasn't defeated too far on her flat debut at Killarney, with Mullins' She's So Flawless beating her by just under a length before strengthening that form with a third place finish in the Connacht Oaks.

After an encouraging place in the Galway Plate, connections are confident of a solid performance from the former Grade One winner.

"Airlie Beach goes for the Ladies Maiden over two miles with Kate Harrington on board," said Mullins.

"She ran a fantastic race when third in the Galway Hurdle and this looks an ideal opportunity.

"It'll be disappointing if she doesn't collect."

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Airlie Beach will hope to follow in the footsteps of Detroit City, who won both the Triumph Hurdle and Cesarewitch in 2006.

She has a wide array of options if she wins as expected tonight, with a good handicap mark she could pick up some valuable prize money throughout the latter part of the flat season.

Although she would need to raise her mark to get in, the likes of the Irish and English Cesarewitch could be an option.

The likes of Leading Light and Detroit City have won the Newmarket handicap, after good careers over hurdles.

Airlie Beach is a 1-2 shot to take the final race at Tramore tonight.

Galway Festival 2017: Who impressed, and who could be heading for Cheltenham?

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The Galway Festival is one of Ireland’s leading fixtures, boasting some of the countries’ best horses both on the flat and the jumps, but what stars could be heading to the 2018 Cheltenham Festival.

With Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott both enjoying six winners at last year’s Festival, and the Gold Cup heading to Jessica Harrington’s yard, Galway may have a few Cheltenham pointers.

Embed from Getty Images True Self (Won a Mares Flat Race on Saturday)

Willie Mullins has a brilliant record with his bumper horses, and this four-year-old made an exceptional introduction to the master of County Carlow.

Previously finishing second at Warwick, she easily defeated a good field to win by eight lengths, and her big margin win could’ve been extended. Her Galway test wasn’t the hardest, and she will have to prove herself; but wherever she goes after the manner in which she won the race.

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Balko Des Flos (Won the Galway Plate on Wednesday)

The Galway Plate is one of the most prestigious prizes in Irish sport, and it was good to see it go to a horse who has always gone close without winning in big races.

He fell when fancied in the JLT Novices’ Chase this season, but Henry De Bromhead’s seven-year-old was excellent in winning the handicap. Beating Shaneshill by almost five lengths, shows his true class and he will certainly be a good horse to follow next year.

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Housesofparliament (Won a novice hurdle on Tuesday)

JP McManus and Joseph O’Brien must be picturing some big days ahead with this four-year-old, after he finally got the hang of jumping. Formerly with father Aiden O’Brien, he enjoyed a terrific record on the flat. He was a winner at Group Three level, and finished third in the St Leger.

He’s had some tough days over hurdles, when second to Willie Mullins’ Meri Devie in a maiden contest and out of his depth in a Grade One event; but this time he was given a winning opportunity 

and grasped it well.

Although he didn’t win by a big margin, his first victory will give him his confidence for the rest of the season. He could be a real star.

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Airlie Beach (Third in Guinness Galway Hurdle Handicap on Thursday)

Another for Willie Mullins who caught the eye is Airlie Beach, who was beaten five-and-a-half lengths in what looked a competitive handicap.

She came to Cheltenham last season with a string of 1’s to her name, but despite her strong market support she could only defeat two rivals in the Mares Novices’ Hurdle.

She’s run okay in top level mares event since, before boasting two good efforts in handicap company. She is improving, and would’ve gone closer had she jumped better; her trainer Willie Mullins will win a few good handicap prizes with her.

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Le Richebourg (Won a novice hurdle on Monday)

Another for Joseph O’Brien who caught the eye was Le Richebourg, who does look like a very good novice hurdler. His bumper form was boosted when Debuchet, who he finished second to in a race at Leopardstown, went on to land the Champion Bumper this season.

He’s currently unbeaten over hurdles, winning impressively in races at Killarney and at this week’s Galway Festival. His wide margin win was both impressive and professional, he’s a top hurdler and Cheltenham will certainly be on his agenda.

Willie Mullins expecting dazzling performance from Sapphire Lady at Killarney

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Legendary trainer Willie Mullins insists he'll be 'disappointed' if exciting mare Sapphire Lady fails to win the closing race at Killarney this evening.

A half-sister to lively stable star Westerner Lady, she looked a great horse in the making when winning her debut in both encouraging fashion.

She's a short price favourite for only her second start, but should be too good in the Killarney Racegoers Club Mares Flat Race (9:00).

The five-year-old justified odds-on favoritism on debut, when clearing the field in impressive style to record a five and a half length victory.

Patrick Mullins didn't have to press too hard on the debutant, as she beat The Princetonian in second. Jessica Harrington's four-year-old is a good measure of form, having finished second in a similar event only a fortnight before.

She is from a good family, and Mullins is expecting another good performance from this exciting mare.

"Sapphire Lady goes for the mares' bumper over 2m1f," Mullins told his website.

"She won easily on debut at Ballinrobe, and it will be disappointing if she fails to follow up here."

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Sapphire Lady may be aimed to the 2018 Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival, her trainer Willie Mullins has won the race eight times.

With her exciting record on the flat, the Champion Bumper may be a principal long term target for Sapphire Lady.

Yet if her County Carlow handler wants to attempt her over hurdles, the Mares' Novice Hurdle may be an option, where Mullins already has a live early chance with Ainsi Va La Vie.

The 2m1f race was introduced in 2015, and Mullins has won both runnings of the race with Limini and Let's Dance.

Anthony Butler owned and bred the promising prospect, just as he does with Westerner Lady, a half-sister to today's hot favourite.

Westerner Lady has a prolific record winning ten times from just seventeen starts, picking up a Grade Two Mares Novice Chase at Thurles.

She hasn't yet raced outside of Ireland, but could be a contender in big chase prizes next March.

Sapphire Lady is priced at 11/10 to win the closing mares bumper at Killarney tonight.

Champion Hurdle contender Wicklow Brave bids to establish Irish Leger claims.

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Willie Mullins' brilliant dual purposer Wicklow Brave faces a strong field of seven as he bids to add the Curragh Cup to his CV.

Aiming for the Irish St Leger, he hopes to return to his best in the Group Two contest for Cheltenham-legend Mullins.

The eight-year-old has been a superstar for Mullins, with victories including the Irish St Leger, Irish Champion Hurdle and County Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

Following his Punchestown success he ventured to the USA to contest the Belmont Gold Cup, where he finished fourth.

He’s been installed as a short price favourite to take the Group Two prize, and Mullins is confident of a bold show.

"He ran a great race in the Belmont Cup on his last run," said Mullins, who saddled

"We were delighted, hopefully he can build on that.

"He drops down in trip a little but I don't think that should bother him too much, in fact it may be a bit better for him.

"He needs to handle the stalls better than he did at Belmont, and he does give some weight."

"I'm looking forward to running him."

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Wicklow Brave beat the likes of Order Of St George, Arctic Fire, and quirky Supreme winner Labaik last season.

Although the Irish St Leger remains the principal target, he will be aimed at the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham where he finished eighth in 2017.

However he needed the run that day, making his first start since a midfield effort in the Melbourne Cup.

After his encouraging performance in Ireland, he’s a 20-1 chance to win at the 2018 Cheltenham Festival.

"I'd love to take him back to the Irish St Leger," added Mullins.

"This is a good test for him, and we're taking it one step at a time."

"Hopefully he can run well today, and we can go forward from there."

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Belgravia may be his biggest debut, after a promising fourth at Royal Ascot last week.

Ireland’s leading jumps trainer takes on Ireland’s leading flat trainer, as Aidan O’Brien fields two in the race.

Ryan Moore takes the ride of the well-bred Belgravia, who was last seen finishing fourth at Royal Ascot a week ago.

The full-brother to former Derby winner Ruler Of The World was beaten just over two lengths in the Queens Vase.

O’Brien’s other runner Wisconsin finished unplaced at Ascot.

Forgotten Rules has failed to live up promise since losing his unbeaten record when third in the Ascot Gold Cup.

He hasn’t tasted victory since 2015, but has run well in listed contests over this trip.

Elsewhere Rekindling steps up in trip after only defeating two rivals in the Derby, Stellar Mass runs for Jim Bolger and Elidor represents Mick Channon. 

Willie Mullins' Thomas Hobson flies into Cheltenham frame after Royal romp

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Willie Mullins’s Thomas Hobson forged his way in the Cheltenham Festival after an impressive week at Royal Ascot.

The seven-year-old won well in Tuesday’s Ascot Stakes under the hands of Ryan Moore, where he trailed for most of the way before powering home in the final few furlongs.

His six length success impressed Mullins so much he declared him for Saturday’s Queen Alexandra Stakes, where he ran creditably to finish second behind Mark Johnston’s Oriental Fox.

He failed to complete an Ascot double, but the hurdler may also attempt to add Cheltenham glory to his established CV.

Thomas Hobson looks set for a summer of flat racing, and may even go down under to contest Australia’s biggest race the Melbourne Cup.

After two good efforts at the Royal Meeting, Mullins was delighted by his efforts.

“It was a very good run,” Mullins said.

“I’m very pleased that he backed up like that.

“He was quite keen after his run the other day, which didn’t help him today.

“However, things are looking good for the future for his Flat racing. We will look at York.”

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Pierre-Charles Boudot, who bred Triumph winner Defi Du Seuil, enjoyed his first Royal winner this week.

Cheltenham Gold Cup winning handler Jessica Harrington enjoyed a good week at the Royal meeting, however her star two-year-old  Alpha Centauri could only finish second in the Albany.

Her other juvenile Brother Bear wasn’t beaten too far when fourth in Tuesday’s Coventry Stakes.

Alan King, trainer of Festival favourite Yanworth, picked up some valuable place money with handicappers Top Tug and Who Dares Wins.

Whilst three-time Champion Hurdle winning trainer Aidan O’Brien picked up the top trainers prize at Royal Ascot.

French jockey Pierre-Charles Boudot, who bred this year’s Triumph winner Defi Du Seuil, also enjoyed Royal success aboard Le Brevido in the Jersey Stakes.

Cheltenham Festival runner-up L'Ami Serge completes Nicky Henderson's English and French Champion Hurdle double

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Nicky Henderson has completed an English and French Champion Hurdle double, as Festival runner-up L’Ami Serge powered clear at Autueil.

The newly crowned champion trainer enjoyed success on Tuesday’s feature race, as Buveur D'Air forged clear to lift the Champion Hurdle.

In the Irish edition Henderson’s My Tent Or Yours was touched off my Willie Mullins’ Wicklow Brave at Punchestown.

“It's pretty nice to win the English Champion Hurdle and the French one,” said Seven Barrows handler.

“We were second at Punchestown, otherwise we might have won all three. That would have been good, and rare.”

L’Ami Serge had previously been beaten by a neck in the County Hurdle in the 2017 Cheltenham Festival, creeped into contention before powering clear over the last fence.

He reversed the form with Willie Mullins’ Shaneshill who beat him when the pair clashed at this track a month ago; the Irish challenger finished third behind France’s Alex De Larredya.

"The horse was great, and that was one of the best rides you'll ever see, because we had no idea he'd stay,” the Lambourn handler told Sky Sports.

“It was a brilliant ride and well done to the team. This horse is very relaxed at the moment. When you think he was beaten a neck in the County Hurdle under a big weight over two miles, to then go and do that is quite extraordinary.

“I think he loves these French obstacles, he ran very well in the Prix La Barka when Shaneshill beat him and we were two kilos better off today, so if he stayed he had to have a good chance.

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Buveur D'Air gave Nicky Henderson his sixth Champion Hurdle victory in 2017

Henderson’s raider has finished once place better on all three visits to the Festival, he finished fourth behind the mighty Douvan, before a third placed effort the following year and narrow runner-up in the closing day of this year’s Festival.

“The money here (in France) is unbelievable, but I think we'll stay in England,” said the champion trainer.

"We've got all summer to think about what we are going to do and don't forget he's a good jumper of fences.

L'Ami Serge is being priced at around the 16/1 mark for the Stayer’s Hurdle.

Willie Mullins star juvenile Bapaume targets French Grade One glory after Festival failure

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Willie Mullins’ promising juvenile Bapaume is searching for his second Grade One victory in Auteuil’s Prix Alain du Breil (4:05).

The four-year-old enjoyed a good campaign over the winter, winning a pattern race at Leopardstown before just losing out to Mega Fortune in his first attempt for Grade One success.

He was fancied in the Cheltenham Festival’s Triumph Hurdle, but Mega Fortune and Defi Du Seuil were too good for the French-born challenger.

He finally gained top level success at the Punchestown a month later, defeating the well-regarded Landofhopeandglory late on to win the Champion Four Year Old Hurdle.

"On his Irish and English form Bapaume is a Grade 1 horse and better than Dandy Mag," said Mullins to the Racing Post.

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Dandy Mag finishing second in Fairyhouse's G2 Juvenile Hurdle in April

Mullins is also represented by Dandy Mag who won easily at Ballinrobe last time out, but faces a steep rise in class this afternoon.

"Dandy Mag ran well at Punchestown, better than his finishing position suggests. I don’t think he's good enough to win but the extra three furlongs will help, and he's improving."

He will have to overcome De Bon Coeur, the French raider who is unbeaten in all six starts.

Francois Nicholle’s star four-year-old has won once at the top level, and was last seen destroying the 

field in a nine length romp in the Grade Two Prix Amadou.

The leading juvenile in France gets her ideal conditions, and may take some stopping even in her hardest race yet.

"De Bon Coeur is in fantastic shape as I gave her a bit of time after her last race to recharge her batteries," Nicolle told the Racing Post.

"The others can do what they like but if they try to follow her, they will be in trouble. Even I have no idea of her limits.”

Cheltenham Festival bridesmaid Shaneshill bids for French Champion Hurdle success

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Willie Mullins is hoping for a fifth French Champion Hurdle (2:35) prize with Shaneshill, who has finished a runner-up in three visits to the Cheltenham Festival.

After landing Grade Two success in Auteuil’s Prix La Barka, a key trial, he is set to hold favouritism for the 3m1f race.

"He's been hard to train during the winter, but I think he's going to be a lot easier to train in this summer weather," the County Carlow handler said.

"He promised me an awful lot early on. He was second three times at the Cheltenham Festival.

"Now I think he's a bit stronger and maybe he can go through with the promise he showed me."

The experienced eight-year-old was beaten just over a length in the Champion Bumper, before reversing the placings with Silver Concorde to gain his only ever top level success at Punchestown.

He was well beaten by the legendary Douvan in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle the following year, still finishing one place ahead of 2017 Gold Cup winner Sizing John.

In 2016 he went closer than ever when narrowly beaten by Blaklion in the World Hurdle, he failed to finish in this year’s renewal of the Stayer’s Hurdle.

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Ptit Zig was an encouraging winner of the Dipper Novices' Chase at Cheltenham in 2015 

Paul Nicholls hopes to reclaim the prize with Ptit Zig, who hasn’t tasted victory since his surprise success in the Grade One contest a year ago.

The eight-year-old missed out on the Festival, and could only finish sixth in the Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree.

He did finish the season with an improved effort in Sandown’s Select Hurdle, where he was beaten by L’Ami Serge, who faces him once again.

Nicky Henderson’s raider has been a revelation since almost gaining Cheltenham glory in the County Hurdle.

The seven-year-old was defeated on the line by Arctic Fire, before landing Sandown’s grade two contest. He was beaten by Shaneshill on his last start, but not even a length separated the pair.

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One Track Mind was a Grade One winner over hurdles last season

Warren Greatrex is represented by One Track Mind who won the Punchestown Stayers Hurdle last season, but has disappointed over fences.

Blue Dragon is the strongest chance for the French, the six-year-old enjoyed a comfortable Grade Two success at this track in April. 

Willie Mullins' potential Cheltenham Festival hope Senewalk targets maiden win at Tranmore

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Former Supreme Novice favourite Senewalk targets a maiden victory as he prepares to campaign to the Cheltenham Festival tonight.

Willie Mullins' five-year-old runs in the www.tranmore-racecourse.com Maiden Hurdle (8:00), hoping for his first win over hurdles.

Formerly a Cheltenham fancy, owner Rich Ricci claimed he had 'high hopes' for him, but he's disappointed in two efforts in maiden company since.

He was a winner on the flat in France, but finished sixth on his hurdle debut at Punchestown, before missing out on a place when fourth on return to the County Kildare track.

Ridden by Ruby Walsh, he takes a big step down in class for this evening’s race, and he has plenty to improve from that run 17 days ago.

“Senewalk runs in the maiden hurdle over 2m5f,” Mullins told his website.

“He has been disappointing but is dropping down a lot in grade here.

“He is fit and well, but needs to show improvement if he is to get off the mark over hurdles today.”

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Willie Mullins' last Neptune victory came in 2016 with Yorkhill.

Mullins' main target for Senewalk would be the Neptune Novice Hurdle over a similar trip, if he can begin to show his full potential.

The Irish trainer is already dominating the antepost market for the Neptune with Champion Bumper 

winner Fayonagh the current favourite.

Meanwhile Mullins’ Bumper fourth Next Destination and three-time winner Getabird all look to have live chances in the Grade One contest.

Early prices are indicating Senewalk as a 20/1 shot for the Neptune, despite winless over hurdles.

Although he could re-route to the curtain raising Supreme Novice hurdle, but that would mean he steps down in trip to two miles. The bookies rate him around a 25/1 chance for Supreme success.

He is priced at around 13/8 to break his maiden this evening.

Dual Cheltenham Festival winner Douvan crowned best chaser of 16/17 season

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Cheltenham Festival legend Douvan has been named the highest rated National Hunt chaser by the BHA.

Willie Mullins’ seven-year-old was given a mark of 174 by the handicapper, 5lb higher than last year.

The two-time Festival winner looked different class when picking up pattern prizes in native Ireland, but sustained an injury when seventh in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

The late Many Clouds was given a mark of 171 after victory in the Cotsworld Chase in January.

Oliver Sherwood's Hennessy winner suffered a fatal injury following the race.

The former Grand National winner is rated 1lb higher than King George winner Thistlecrack.

Colin Tizzard's nine-year-old was a notable absentee from the Cheltenham Festival, and shares favouritism to claim the Gold Cup in March.

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Altior was an impressive winner of the Arkle, his second Festival success in as many years.

Arkle winner Altior shared the 170 mark, after an incredible season for Nicky Henderson.

The six-year-old secured six successive victories this season, with three at Grade One level. He is the antepost favourite to topple Douvan in the Queen Mother at the Festival in March.

Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Sizing John was handed a mark of 169, 8lb less than Don Cossack’s mark last year. Colin Tizzard’s Fox Norton shared that mark following his win at Aintree.

The popular Cue Card and Ryanair Winner Un De Sceaux were both rated 168, along with Irish National winner Our Duke.

Grand National winner The Last Samuri is rated 159 after his Aintree success.

Mark	Horse (s)
174	Douvan
171	Many Clouds
170	Thistlecrack, Altior
169	Sizing John, Fox Norton
168	Our Duke, Cue Card, Un de Sceaux
167	Special Tiara
166	Minella Rocco, Native River, Outlander, Djakadam, God’s Own

RSA Chase winner, and leading 2018 Gold Cup fancy, Might Bite has been given a mark of 162 for Nicky Henderson.

Former Gold Cup winners Coneygree is rated 165, and 2014 champion Lord Windermere is on a mark of 144.