The racing world is buzzing with anticipation for a blockbuster rematch in the Irish Champion Hurdle, as Gordon Elliott sends Brighterdaysahead to take on the mighty Lossiemouth. But that’s not the only story making waves, as a top conditional jockey hangs up his boots, and Cheltenham Festival clues begin to emerge. Here’s a round-up of the latest news and whispers from the world of horse racing.
Today’s Racing round-up
Elliott is relishing a rematch between Brighterdaysahead and Lossiemouth in the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown. The two star mares are among nine entries for the Grade One feature on February 1, with Lossiemouth having come out on top by a length when they met for the first time in the December Hurdle. However, Brighterdaysahead had been off the track since the spring, and Elliott is expecting an improved performance from his seven-year-old. (Wharfedale Observer)
Gordon Elliott is also making plans for the Cheltenham Festival, stating he is “99.9% sure” that rising star Romeo Coolio will run in one of the novice chases. The unbeaten chaser, who has won the Grade One Drinmore Novice Chase and the Racing Post Novice Chase, is entered in the Ryanair Chase, but Elliott has indicated a preference to keep him in novice company. A decision on whether he will step up to three miles for the Brown Advisory will be made closer to the time. (Sporting Life)
“It’s more than likely one of the novice races he’ll be running in, I’m 99.9% sure that’s what it will be but the owners want to keep all bases covered which is understandable and I think we did the right thing to enter the horse.”
Meanwhile, the racing world has been paying tribute to conditional jockey Ben Bromley, who has announced his retirement from the saddle at the age of 23, citing mental health reasons. The rider, who was based with Paul Nicholls, had 43 career winners and said he made the decision after a long period of struggling with the pressures of the sport. His last winner was Girl Of Gold at Fakenham on December 21. (Sky Sports)
Looking ahead to the Cheltenham Festival, last year’s winner Marine Nationale is one of 24 entries for the BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase. Barry Connell’s charge was a decisive winner last season and will be looking to bounce back from an unlucky defeat at Christmas. He could face a stern challenge from the Willie Mullins-trained Il Etait Temps, who is unbeaten in five starts since finishing third in last year’s Arkle. (ITV Racing)
In other news, Welsh Grand National hero Haiti Couleurs could be a surprise runner in the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown. Trainer Rebecca Curtis has given her stable star the option of taking on dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Galopin Des Champs, who will be bidding for a record fourth straight win in the race. Haiti Couleurs is being aimed at the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March and a trip to Ireland could be his final prep run. (At The Races)
Finally, the British Horseracing Authority has announced an additional all-weather fixture at Chelmsford City on Sunday, January 11. The seven-race card, which has the option to divide to nine races, has been added to the schedule to provide more opportunities for horses and riders. The fixture will be rider-restricted as it was not originally programmed. (British Horseracing Authority)