There were a few unexpected reversals at Fairyhouse on Sunday with short price favourites Willy De Houelle, Romeo Coolio and Firefox suffering defeats. The first name, who features in the Top 40 Prospects, has been all the rage in the ante-post lists for the Triumph Hurdle and, even though he reportedly hadn't shone in his homework in recent weeks, was expected to make a winning start to his new career with Willie Mullins. Ridden prominently, the ex-French gelding looked set for victory when taking over at the second last but couldn't withstand the late thrust of ex-Flat racer Naturally Nimble (33/1) on the run-in. Beaten a length and a half, it is early days to be writing the runner-up off. Indeed, I received a text from his owner Rich Ricci the same evening and he expects the son of Beaumec De Houelle to improve significantly next time - racing left-handed and slower ground is also likely to see a better outcome.
Every cloud has a silver lining, apparently, and at least Joseph O'Brien's winner is featured on page 140 of One Jump Ahead. Rated 83 on the Flat, the son of Too Darn Hot had only finished seventh on his hurdles bow a week earlier and this represented a major step forward. The type to develop into a contender for the Boodles Juvenile Hurdle in March, rather than the Triumph Hurdle, it may have been a classic case of an ex-Flat racer having too much speed for a jumping bred three year old on drying ground. Thank you to those clients who emailed on Sunday evening who helped themselves to the generous prices on offer. I wish I had followed my own advice.
While Willy Du Houelle fluffed his lines, it wasn't long before his owner and wife Susannah enjoyed their 101st Grade 1 victory when Lossiemouth proved much too good for Teahupoo in the Hattons Grace Hurdle. Gordon Elliott's Stayers' Hurdle winner was bidding to land the two and a half miles contest for a third successive year but the seven year old was readily left behind on the run-in by Willie Mullins' mare. A three and three quarter lengths winner, the daughter of Great Pretender was winning at the highest level for the fifth time suffering only one defeat in ten career outings. With stablemate State Man expected to head to Leopardstown over the Festive period, Lossiemouth could be seen next in the Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day setting up a mouthwatering clash with either Constitution Hill or more likely Sir Gino. Mullins and the Ricci's won the prize twice with Faugheen (2014 & 2015) and she looks ready to take on the best hurdlers over the minimum trip. She is a tremendous mare who is blessed with speed and stamina.
The French Revolution section in OJA made a slow start but the selections are beginning to gather some momentum with Karniquet and Quantock Hills scoring last month. Morning Air (see page 153) made a successful start to her hurdling career at Leicester on Sunday with a silky smooth victory. Bought for €65,000 during the summer, the daughter of Doctor Dino looked a useful recruit for Venetia Williams as she handed out a three and a quarter lengths beating to her five opponents at the Midlands track. Travelling strongly throughout, she only had to be nudged out after the last to win with plenty to spare.
While working at Carlisle on Sunday, I received confirmation that the horse featured on page 23 has suffered a tendon injury which will require twelve months on the sidelines. Still quoted between 12/1 and 16/1 for the mares' novice hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, she won't be seen at Prestbury Park in March.
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