Fry mulling options as entries revealed for G1 novices’ hurdles at The Festival™

Entries are unveiled today for the three G1 novices’ hurdles at The Festival™ - the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle and the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle – plus the G1 JCB Triumph Hurdle, which is restricted to four-year-olds.

Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle – Day One, Tuesday, 16 March

The Festival™ gets underway with the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, which takes place over two miles as the first contest on day one.

There are 96 entries in 2021, with a record 59 of those trained in Ireland. Sponsor Sky Bet make one of the Irish-trained entries, Appreciate It (Willie Mullins), the clear 5/2 favourite. The seven-year-old was runner-up in the G1 Weatherbys Champion Bumper at The Festival™ in 2020 and has looked hugely talented when landing both his starts over hurdles this season, most recently sauntering to a nine-length victory in a G1 contest at Leopardstown on 27 December.

Sky Bet’s 7/1 second favourite is Metier (Harry Fry). Originally trained in Ireland by Andrew Slattery, five-year-old Metier has been a revelation since joining Dorset-based Harry Fry, taking novices’ hurdles at Newton Abbot and Ascot before recording a breath-taking 12-length victory in the G1 Unibet Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown Park on 2 January.

Giving an update on the son of Mastercraftsman, Fry reported: “Metier is a Tolworth winner and the Supreme is the much more likely of the two races [Metier is also entered in the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle] but we will just keep our options open at this stage.

“He has got an entry in the Betfair Hurdle in just over a fortnight’s time but there is no definite decision yet. He has done everything right so far over hurdles and he is a very exciting novice that seems to be progressing into either Supreme or a Ballymore horse.

“There is a race at Exeter the day after in which he would only have a 5lb penalty but then if you are looking at that why not run in a Betfair?

“I would say that if he doesn’t run in the Betfair, he would go straight to Cheltenham though you can never say never.

“If the weather keeps as it is there is every chance he will line up in the Betfair Hurdle. I think a better race with an even stronger gallop will suit him better again. We were able to drop him in the last day in the Tolworth, but we would have still been happier if they had gone faster.

“Sean [Bowen] turned in with a double handful and he put plenty of distance between himself and his rivals, particularly after the last. Not many came up the hill that day in the manner he did. He has only just turned five so hopefully there is more to come.

“All his form is on slower ground and it would be interesting to see him on better ground. At some point, we will encounter it but good horses go on all ground.

“We would have to weigh up and decide the pros and cons whether going on better ground means we would have to step him up in trip.”

Fry has also entered Boothill in the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle. The six-year-old landed a bumper at Kempton Park in February of 2020 and could not have been more impressive on his hurdling debut when scoring by nine and a half lengths at Taunton on 10 December.

The trainer continued: “Boothill had a splint flare up about 10 days after he won at Taunton and that just held us up for a few weeks. I had hoped to get him back for the Sidney Banks at Huntingdon [Listed, 11 February] but that is just going to come too soon. He could end up going to the Dovecote at the end of February. In the worst-case scenario, he might even end up going straight to Cheltenham but I would like to get another run into him between now and then but we will be guided by him.

“We are back pressing on again with him. Hopefully, we don’t get a recurrence of the splint injury and get a clear run with him. Certainly, on the manner of his debut win at Taunton, there looks to be lots to look forward to.

“Boothill and Metier are completely different types. Metier is an ex-Flat horse that is very workmanlike at home and is very much a hurdler whereas Boothill is a proper chasing type who impresses in everything he does at home.”

Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, Sky Bet odds:

5/2 Appreciate I
7/1 Metier
10/1 Zanahiyr
12/1 Third Time Lucki
14/1 French Aseel, Gauloise
16/1 Ballyadam, Blue Lord, Boothill, My Drogo
20/1 Bob Olinger, Dreal Deal
25/1 Flinteur Sacre, Fly Smart, Ganapathi, Irascible, Keskonrisk, Thedevilscoachman, Mighty Blue, Tritonic, Youmdor
33/1 Atholl Street, Cadzand, Cask Mate, Champagne Gold, Decimation, El Barra, For Pleasure, Frere Tuck, Gaillard du Mesnil, Gentlemansgame, Get My Drift, N'Golo, On To Victory, Shakem Up'arry, Soaring Glory, Stoner's Choice, Uhtred, Wide Receiver, Hook Up, Royal Illusion, Teahupoo
40/1 Bareback Jack, Fifty Ball, Gabynako, Gentleman de Mee, Gowel Road, Guard Your Dreams, Jungle Boogie, Mr Coldstone, Orbys Legend, Rayapour, Rumoroso, Solwara One, Straw Fan Jack
50/1 Alqamar, Any News, Arctic Warrior, Benson, Berkshire Royal, Captain Kangaroo, Grand Bornand, Grumpy Charley, Hes A Hardy Bloke, Kalkas, Make My Day, Micro Manage, Pipesmoker, Power of Pause, Raf Tavel, Restandbethankful, Robin's Dream, Sea Ducor, Visionarian, Witness Protection, Beret Rouge. Haut En Couleurs
66/1 Alko Rouge, Gipsy de Choisel, Great Bear, Jesse Evans, M C Muldoon, Natural History, Qualismart, Sextant, Echoes In Rain, Manitopark Aa, Nada To Prada
80/1 Galopin des Champs
100/1 Do Your Job, Gloire d'Athon, Irish Poseidon, Numbers Man, Excelcius

Michael Shinners, Head of Sports PR at Sky Bet, said: “We are delighted with the entries for the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

“This will be our eighth year sponsoring the race and the quality amongst the 96 entries is fantastic.

“At present, Appreciate It for Willie Mullins heads the market but with seven weeks still to go plenty can happen between now and then.”

SKY BET SUPREME NOVICES' HURDLE (Grade 1)

Alko Rouge (FR) 7 11 7 W.T.F. Partnership T. Gibney IRE
Alqamar (GB) 7 11 7 Varlien Vyner-Brooks,Dave&Yvonne Simpson James Moffatt
Any News (IRE) 6 11 7 Jane Nuala Cartwright Neil Mulholland
Appreciate It (IRE) 7 11 7 Miss M. A. Masterson W. P. Mullins IRE
Arctic Warrior (GER) 5 11 7 Mr John P. McManus W. P. Mullins IRE
Atholl Street (IRE) 6 11 7 Mr Trevor Hemmings Paul Nicholls
Ballyadam (IRE) 6 11 7 Cheveley Park Stud Gordon Elliott IRE
Bareback Jack (IRE) 5 11 7 Mr T. G. Leslie Donald McCain
Benson (GB) 6 11 7 Pump & Plant Services Ltd Dr Richard Newland
Berkshire Royal (GB) 6 11 7 Mrs J. M. Mullins W. P. Mullins IRE
Blue Lord (FR) 6 11 7 Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede W. P. Mullins IRE
Bob Olinger (IRE) 6 11 7 Robcour Henry de Bromhead IRE
Boothill (IRE) 6 11 7 Brian & Sandy Lambert Harry Fry
Cadzand (IRE) 6 11 7 CHELSEA THOROUGHBREDS - CADZAND Dan Skelton
Captain Kangaroo (IRE) 6 11 7 Kanga Racing & Brett Graham Syndicate W. P. Mullins IRE
Cask Mate (IRE) 8 11 7 High Spirits Racing Club Noel Meade IRE
Champagne Gold (IRE) 6 11 7 Mr Barry Maloney Henry de Bromhead IRE
Decimation (IRE) 6 11 7 Gigginstown House Stud Henry de Bromhead IRE
Do Your Job (IRE) 7 11 7 Mr Mark Dunphy Michael Scudamore
Dreal Deal (IRE) 6 11 7 Ronan M. P. McNally Ronan M. P. McNally IRE
El Barra (FR) 7 11 7 Mrs S. Ricci W. P. Mullins IRE
Eskylane (IRE) 7 11 7 K Haughey/Laura Haughey/Kieran T Byrne Gordon Elliott IRE
Eurotiep (FR) 7 11 7 Down The Hatch Syndicate W. P. Mullins IRE
Excelcius (USA) 5 11 7 Mrs H. Mullins Thomas Mullins IRE
Fifty Ball (FR) 6 11 7 Mr Steven Packham Gary Moore
Flinteur Sacre (FR) 6 11 7 Mr John P. McManus Nicky Henderson
Fly Smart (FR) 6 11 7 Mrs S. Ricci W. P. Mullins IRE
For Pleasure (IRE) 6 11 7 Premier Plastering (UK) Limited Alex Hales
Frere Tuck (FR) 6 11 7 Mr Cathal Hughes W. P. Mullins IRE
Gabynako (FR) 6 11 7 Mick & Molly Syndicate Gavin Cromwell IRE
Gaillard du Mesnil (FR) 5 11 7 Mrs J. Donnelly W. P. Mullins IRE
Galopin des Champs (FR) 5 11 7 Mrs Audrey Turley W. P. Mullins IRE
Ganapathi (FR) 5 11 7 Mrs J. Donnelly W. P. Mullins IRE
Gentleman de Mee (FR) 5 11 7 Mr John P. McManus W. P. Mullins IRE
Gentlemansgame (GB) 5 11 7 Robcour M. F. Morris IRE
Get My Drift (FR) 5 11 7 Mr John P. McManus M. F. Morris IRE
Gipsy de Choisel (FR) 5 11 7 Mr Simon Munir & Mr Isaac Souede Nicky Henderson
Gloire d'Athon (FR) 5 11 7 Cheveley Park Stud Henry de Bromhead IRE
Gowel Road (IRE) 5 11 7 Options O Syndicate Nigel Twiston-Davies
Grand Bornand (FR) 5 11 7 Mrs S. Ricci W. P. Mullins IRE
Great Bear (GB) 5 11 7 Thomas J. O'Connor T. Gibney IRE
Grumpy Charley (GB) 6 11 7 Mr G. Thompson Chris Honour
Guard Your Dreams (GB) 5 11 7 Graham and Alison Jelley Nigel Twiston-Davies
Hes A Hardy Bloke (IRE) 6 11 7 Hammer & Trowel Syndicate Noel Meade IRE
Irascible (FR) 6 11 7 Gigginstown House Stud Henry de Bromhead IRE
Irish Poseidon (GER) 5 11 7 Spoonful of Irish Syndicate Matthew J. Smith IRE
Jesse Evans (IRE) 5 11 7 Jack Singleton Noel Meade IRE
Jungle Boogie (IRE) 7 11 7 Mr Malcolm C. Denmark W. P. Mullins IRE
Kalkas (FR) 5 11 7 Sean & Bernardine Mulryan Henry de Bromhead IRE
Keskonrisk (FR) 6 11 7 Mr Claudio Michael Grech Joseph Patrick O'Brien IRE
Make My Day (IRE) 5 11 7 Mr Steven Packham Gary Moore
M C Muldoon (IRE) 6 11 7 Mrs J. M. Mullins W. P. Mullins IRE
Metier (IRE) 5 11 7 Mr G. C. Stevens Harry Fry
Micro Manage (IRE) 5 11 7 Merriebelle Irish Farm Limited W. P. Mullins IRE
Mr Coldstone (IRE) 5 11 7 Mr David Bobbett W. P. Mullins IRE
My Drogo (GB) 6 11 7 Mr & Mrs R. Kelvin-Hughes Dan Skelton
N'Golo (IRE) 6 11 7 Mrs S. Ricci W. P. Mullins IRE
Natural History (GB) 6 11 7 Hail Sargent Evans Gary Moore
Numbers Man (IRE) 5 11 7 The Reserve Tankers Colin Tizzard
On To Victory (GB) 7 11 7 HP Racing On To Victory Alan King
Orbys Legend (IRE) 5 11 7 Highclere Thoroughbred Racing - Milan Philip Hobbs
Pipesmoker (FR) 6 11 7 Lady Dulverton Nicky Henderson
Power of Pause (IRE) 6 11 7 Miss M. A. Masterson W. P. Mullins IRE
Qualismart (FR) 5 11 7 Kate & Andrew Brooks Harry Whittington
Raf Tavel (FR) 5 11 7 Mr Simon Munir & Mr Isaac Souede Ben Pauling
Rayapour (FR) 5 11 7 McNeill Family W. P. Mullins IRE
Restandbethankful (GB) 5 11 7 McNeill Family & Patrick&Scott Bryceland Olly Murphy
Robin's Dream (GB) 5 11 7 Mr Jerry Hinds & Mr Ashley Head Gary Moore
Rumoroso (GB) 6 11 7 Mrs Audrey Turley W. P. Mullins IRE
Sea Ducor (GB) 5 11 7 C. Jones A. L. T. Moore IRE
Sextant (GB) 6 11 7 Straightline Bloodstock Keith Dalgleish
Shakem Up'arry (IRE) 7 11 7 Mr Harry Redknapp Ben Pauling
Soaring Glory (IRE) 6 11 7 Mr P. Hickey Jonjo O'Neill
Solwara One (IRE) 7 11 7 Mrs Jane Gerard-Pearse Neil Mulholland
Stoner's Choice (GB) 6 11 7 Mrs Carolyn Kendrick Fergal O'Brien
Straw Fan Jack (GB) 6 11 7 Mr Graham Wilson Sheila Lewis
Thedevilscoachman (IRE) 5 11 7 Mr John P. McManus Noel Meade IRE
Third Time Lucki (IRE) 6 11 7 Mike and Eileen Newbould Dan Skelton
Uhtred (IRE) 6 11 7 Gigginstown House Stud Joseph Patrick O'Brien IRE
Visionarian (IRE) 6 11 7 Mr Basil Holian Peter Fahey IRE
Wide Receiver (IRE) 6 11 7 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott IRE
Witness Protection (IRE) 8 11 7 FOXTROT RACING WITNESS PROTECTION Martin Keighley
Beret Rouge (IRE) 6 11 0 Mrs J. M. Mullins W. P. Mullins IRE
Echoes In Rain (FR) 5 11 0 Barnane Stud W. P. Mullins IRE
French Aseel (FR) 4 11 0 Mrs J. Donnelly W. P. Mullins IRE
Gauloise (FR) 5 11 0 Mr K. Alexander W. P. Mullins IRE
Haut En Couleurs (FR) 4 11 0 Mrs J. Donnelly W. P. Mullins IRE
Hook Up (FR) 5 11 0 Mrs S. Ricci W. P. Mullins IRE
Manitopark Aa (FR) 5 11 0 Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede W. P. Mullins IRE
Mighty Blue (FR) 5 11 0 Capel Street Syndicate Joseph Patrick O'Brien IRE
Nada To Prada (GB) 6 11 0 Mrs Lynne Maclennan Michael Scudamore
Royal Illusion (IRE) 9 11 0 Ballylinch Stud W. P. Mullins IRE
Teahupoo (FR) 4 11 0 Robcour Gordon Elliott IRE
Tritonic (GB) 4 11 0 McNeill Family & Mr Ian Dale Alan King
Youmdor (FR) 4 11 0 McNeill Family W. P. Mullins IRE
Zanahiyr (IRE) 4 11 0 Noel Moran/Mrs Valerie Moran Gordon Elliott IRE

96 entries

59 Irish-trained

Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle – Day Two, Wednesday, 17 March

The Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle is held over the intermediate distance of two miles and five furlongs and is the opening contest on day two of The Festival™, Wednesday, 17 March.

Of course, 17 March is St Patrick’s Day and there is a good chance of Irish-trained success with 65 of the 120 entries hailing from Ireland.

Currently disputing favouritism are Bob Olinger (Henry de Bromhead) and Bravemansgame (Paul Nicholls). Bravemansgame was compared to the mighty Denman by trainer Paul Nicholls following his success last time out in the G1 Challow Hurdle at Newbury, which was his third win from four starts over hurdles. Bob Olinger is also a G1 winner, recording a very comfortable victory in the Lawlor's Of Naas Novice Hurdle on 13 January.

Willoughby Court landed the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle for Ben Pauling in 2017 and the trainer looks to have another live contender in 2021 with Optimise Prime. The five-year-old caused a 50/1 upset when winning on his hurdling debut at Hereford in November but proved that was no fluke when following up with a smooth victory at the same venue in December.

Bourton-on-the-Water based Pauling reported: “Optimise Prime is in great order.

“He is entered at Cheltenham on Saturday. If he doesn’t run there because the ground is terrible, he would probably wait for the Sidney Banks at Huntingdon.

“He is a lovely horse that has done nothing wrong in winning a couple of races at Hereford, which will hopefully work out okay, but he has got to prove he can do it at the next level now.

“I took him out of the Leamington at Warwick as it was bottomless ground and I wasn’t overly fussed about missing it as we always knew that his next race would be his prep for the Cheltenham Festival, where we plan to go for the Ballymore.”

BALLYMORE NOVICES' HURDLE (Grade 1)

Adrimel (FR) 6 11 7 Lady Bamford & Alice Bamford Tom Lacey
Alko Rouge (FR) 7 11 7 W.T.F. Partnership T. Gibney IRE
Alright Sunshine (IRE) 6 11 7 Straightline Bloodstock Keith Dalgleish
Annual Invictus (IRE) 6 11 7 Mr Thomas Michael Smith Chris Gordon
Any News (IRE) 6 11 7 Jane Nuala Cartwright Neil Mulholland
Appreciate It (IRE) 7 11 7 Miss M. A. Masterson W. P. Mullins IRE
Ashdale Bob (IRE) 6 11 7 Diarmuid Horgan Mrs J. Harrington IRE
Ashtown Lad (IRE) 7 11 7 Darren & Annaley Yates Dan Skelton
Ballyadam (IRE) 6 11 7 Cheveley Park Stud Gordon Elliott IRE
Ballybegg (IRE) 6 11 7 Glass Half Full Kerry Lee
Bear Ghylls (IRE) 6 11 7 Bradley Partnership Nicky Martin
Benson (GB) 6 11 7 Pump & Plant Services Ltd Dr Richard Newland
Blue Lord (FR) 6 11 7 Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede W. P. Mullins IRE
Bob Olinger (IRE) 6 11 7 Robcour Henry de Bromhead IRE
Boothill (IRE) 6 11 7 Brian & Sandy Lambert Harry Fry
Bothwell Bridge (IRE) 6 11 7 Mr T. Barr Nicky Henderson
Bravemansgame (FR) 6 11 7 John Dance and Bryan Drew Paul Nicholls
Brazos (USA) 7 11 7 Mrs C. C. Regalado-Gonzalez John Joseph Murphy IRE
Cape Gentleman (IRE) 5 11 7 Mrs Margaret O'Rourke Emmet Mullins IRE
Capodanno (FR) 5 11 7 Mr John P. McManus W. P. Mullins IRE
Captain Kangaroo (IRE) 6 11 7 Kanga Racing & Brett Graham Syndicate W. P. Mullins IRE
Captain Morgs (IRE) 5 11 7 The Albatross Club Nicky Henderson
Cascova (IRE) 6 11 7 Chelsea Thoroughbreds & Trull House Stud Nicky Henderson
Cask Mate (IRE) 8 11 7 High Spirits Racing Club Noel Meade IRE
Castle Robin (IRE) 6 11 7 Bradley Partnership Charlie Longsdon
Champagne Gold (IRE) 6 11 7 Mr Barry Maloney Henry de Bromhead IRE
Champagnesuperover (IRE) 6 11 7 McNeill Family & Patrick&Scott Bryceland Olly Murphy
Commandingpresence (IRE) 6 11 7 Mrs M. J. Wogan Henry de Bromhead IRE
Crosshill (IRE) 6 11 7 Mr R. A. Bartlett Mrs J. Harrington IRE
Does He Know (GB) 6 11 7 Yes He Does Syndicate Kim Bailey
Dreal Deal (IRE) 6 11 7 Ronan M. P. McNally Ronan M. P. McNally IRE
Eden Flight (FR) 7 11 7 Mrs S. Ricci W. P. Mullins IRE
El Barra (FR) 7 11 7 Mrs S. Ricci W. P. Mullins IRE
Enemy Coast Ahead (GB) 7 11 7 McNeill Family Olly Murphy
Eskylane (IRE) 7 11 7 K Haughey/Laura Haughey/Kieran T Byrne Gordon Elliott IRE
Eurotiep (FR) 7 11 7 Down The Hatch Syndicate W. P. Mullins IRE
Fais Ton Chemin (FR) 6 11 7 M. L. Bloodstock Limited W. P. Mullins IRE
Fakiera (FR) 6 11 7 Mr T. O'Driscoll Gordon Elliott IRE
Farouk d'Alene (FR) 6 11 7 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott IRE
Fifty Ball (FR) 6 11 7 Mr Steven Packham Gary Moore
Fighter Allen (FR) 6 11 7 C. Jones W. P. Mullins IRE
Fly Smart (FR) 6 11 7 Mrs S. Ricci W. P. Mullins IRE
Frere Tuck (FR) 6 11 7 Mr Cathal Hughes W. P. Mullins IRE
Fun Light (FR) 6 11 7 Rectory Road Holdings Limited Joseph Patrick O'Brien IRE
Gabynako (FR) 6 11 7 Mick & Molly Syndicate Gavin Cromwell IRE
Gaillard du Mesnil (FR) 5 11 7 Mrs J. Donnelly W. P. Mullins IRE
Gallyhill (IRE) 6 11 7 Mr Claudio Michael Grech Nicky Henderson
Galopin des Champs (FR) 5 11 7 Mrs Audrey Turley W. P. Mullins IRE
Ganapathi (FR) 5 11 7 Mrs J. Donnelly W. P. Mullins IRE
Gentleman de Mee (FR) 5 11 7 Mr John P. McManus W. P. Mullins IRE
Gentlemansgame (GB) 5 11 7 Robcour M. F. Morris IRE
Get My Drift (FR) 5 11 7 Mr John P. McManus M. F. Morris IRE
Gorki d'Airy (FR) 5 11 7 Mrs J. M. Mullins W. P. Mullins IRE
Grand Bornand (FR) 5 11 7 Mrs S. Ricci W. P. Mullins IRE
Grumpy Charley (GB) 6 11 7 Mr G. Thompson Chris Honour
Heather Rocco (IRE) 6 11 7 Mr Mustafa Elatrash Henry de Bromhead IRE
Here Comes Johny (IRE) 6 11 7 Foxtrot Racing: Here Comes Johny Olly Murphy
Hoi Polloi (IRE) 6 11 7 Mr N. Mustoe Emma Lavelle
Holymacapony (IRE) 5 11 7 Mr Barry Maloney Henry de Bromhead IRE
Indiana Jones (FR) 5 11 7 Robcour M. F. Morris IRE
Interconnected (GB) 7 11 7 Darren & Annaley Yates Dan Skelton
Irish Poseidon (GER) 5 11 7 Spoonful of Irish Syndicate Matthew J. Smith IRE
Jungle Boogie (IRE) 7 11 7 Mr Malcolm C. Denmark W. P. Mullins IRE
Kalkas (FR) 5 11 7 Sean & Bernardine Mulryan Henry de Bromhead IRE
Keskonrisk (FR) 6 11 7 Mr Claudio Michael Grech Joseph Patrick O'Brien IRE
Khan (GER) 7 11 7 Mr Mark Adams Milton Harris
Killer Kane (IRE) 6 11 7 J P Romans & Taylor, O'Dwyer Colin Tizzard
Last Royal (GB) 6 11 7 Glanvilles Stud Partners Keiran Burke
Lecale's Article (IRE) 7 11 7 Mrs J Donnelly Nicky Henderson
Limestone Rock (IRE) 5 11 7 Michael O'Flynn/John F O'Flynn M. F. Morris IRE
Lord Accord (IRE) 6 11 7 Lynne & Angus Maclennan Neil Mulholland
Lord of Kerak (GB) 6 11 7 Mrs Diana L. Whateley Olly Murphy
Mahler Allstar (IRE) 7 11 7 Patrick Pyne Jonathan Sweeney IRE
Make Me A Believer (IRE) 6 11 7 Prof. C. Tisdall & Jane Gerard-Pearse David Pipe
M C Muldoon (IRE) 6 11 7 Mrs J. M. Mullins W. P. Mullins IRE
Metier (IRE) 5 11 7 Mr G. C. Stevens Harry Fry
Micro Manage (IRE) 5 11 7 Merriebelle Irish Farm Limited W. P. Mullins IRE
Mint Condition (GB) 7 11 7 Whites Property Limited Jennie Candlish
My Drogo (GB) 6 11 7 Mr & Mrs R. Kelvin-Hughes Dan Skelton
N'Golo (IRE) 6 11 7 Mrs S. Ricci W. P. Mullins IRE
No Ordinary Joe (IRE) 5 11 7 Mr John P. McManus Nicky Henderson
No Risk des Flos (FR) 6 11 7 Mrs Diana L. Whateley Olly Murphy
Numbers Man (IRE) 5 11 7 The Reserve Tankers Colin Tizzard
One True King (IRE) 6 11 7 Teme Valley 2 Nigel Twiston-Davies
Optimise Prime (IRE) 5 11 7 Mrs Rachel Brodie & Mr John Brodie Ben Pauling
Oscar Elite (IRE) 6 11 7 Mrs Mary-Ann Middleton Colin Tizzard
Patroclus (IRE) 5 11 7 Walters Plant Hire & Potter Group Nicky Henderson
Petibonome (FR) 5 11 7 Robcour Henry de Bromhead IRE
Pipesmoker (FR) 6 11 7 Lady Dulverton Nicky Henderson
Power of Pause (IRE) 6 11 7 Miss M. A. Masterson W. P. Mullins IRE
Rayapour (FR) 5 11 7 McNeill Family W. P. Mullins IRE
Road Senam (FR) 5 11 7 Mr Simon Munir & Mr Isaac Souede Colin Tizzard
Saint Turgeon (FR) 5 11 7 Arcadio Vangelisti Davide Satalia FR
Severance (GB) 5 11 7 The Megsons Ben Pauling
Shadow Rider (FR) 7 11 7 Mr John P. McManus W. P. Mullins IRE
Shakem Up'arry (IRE) 7 11 7 Mr Harry Redknapp Ben Pauling
Solwara One (IRE) 7 11 7 Mrs Jane Gerard-Pearse Neil Mulholland
Stattler (IRE) 6 11 7 Mr R. A. Bartlett W. P. Mullins IRE
Stellar Magic (IRE) 6 11 7 Mr Allan Stennett Philip Hobbs
Stoner's Choice (GB) 6 11 7 Mrs Carolyn Kendrick Fergal O'Brien
Straw Fan Jack (GB) 6 11 7 Mr Graham Wilson Sheila Lewis
Threeunderthrufive (IRE) 6 11 7 McNeill Family Paul Nicholls
Tile Tapper (GB) 7 11 7 Cotswold Stone Supplies Ltd Chris Honour
Torn And Frayed (FR) 7 11 7 Mr N. A. Twiston-Davies Nigel Twiston-Davies
Uhtred (IRE) 6 11 7 Gigginstown House Stud Joseph Patrick O'Brien IRE
Valsheda (GB) 6 11 7 Mr & Mrs R. Kelvin-Hughes Nicky Henderson
Visionarian (IRE) 6 11 7 Mr Basil Holian Peter Fahey IRE
Wide Receiver (IRE) 6 11 7 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott IRE
Wilde About Oscar (IRE) 6 11 7 Mike and Eileen Newbould Dan Skelton
Witness Protection (IRE) 8 11 7 FOXTROT RACING WITNESS PROTECTION Martin Keighley
Atlantic Fairy (IRE) 7 11 0 Mr Mark E. Phelan Henry de Bromhead IRE
Brave Way (IRE) 6 11 0 Mr K. Alexander Henry de Bromhead IRE
Finest Evermore (IRE) 5 11 0 Mr J. Turner W. P. Mullins IRE
Manitopark Aa (FR) 5 11 0 Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede W. P. Mullins IRE
Mighty Blue (FR) 5 11 0 Capel Street Syndicate Joseph Patrick O'Brien IRE
Royal Illusion (IRE) 9 11 0 Ballylinch Stud W. P. Mullins IRE
Telmesomethinggirl (IRE) 6 11 0 Mr K. Alexander Henry de Bromhead IRE
The West Awaits (IRE) 6 11 0 Mrs John Magnier W. P. Mullins IRE
Duffle Coat (IRE) 4 10 13 Mr Ray Stokes Gordon Elliott IRE
Saint Sam (FR) 4 10 13 Mr Edward J. Ware W. P. Mullins IRE

120 entries

65 Irish-trained

1 French-trained

JCB Triumph Hurdle – Day Four, Friday, 19 March

The JCB Triumph Hurdle gets day four of The Festival™ underway and there are 54 four-year-olds entered for the extended two-mile contest this year.

Clear market leader is Zanahiyr (Gordon Elliott), one of 20 Irish-trained entries. A winner of all three of his starts over hurdles, he was last seen out when scoring very easily in the G2 Knight Frank Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown on 26 December.

Three fillies have triumphed in the JCB Triumph Hurdle – Shawiya (1993), Mysilv (1994) and Snow Drop (2000). Trainer Harry Fry is hoping he could provide the fourth successful female in 2021 with Fortunes Melody. A Listed winner at Auteuil in September, she placed on her next three starts in Graded company for her former trainer David Cottin. She has yet to start for Fry.

Fry said: “Fortunes Melody has some very good form in France and is the second highest rated juvenile filly there. We are very excited and grateful for her owners Simon [Munir] and Isaac [Souede] for giving us the opportunity to train her.

“She has been with us since the turn of the year but has been in England since the start of December. She spent some time with Sally Taylor who does a lot of the pre-training for the owners, so she has had the chance to settle and acclimatise there.

“We are learning about her all the time but hopefully she will be ready to run in the next couple of weeks. We have given her the Triumph Hurdle entry as an option. We need to run her first to see what we have got.

“There is some good form in the book already though as she is a winner of a Listed hurdle in France.”

JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE RACE (Grade 1)

Adagio (GER) 4 11 0 Bryan Drew and Friends / Prof. C. Tisdall David Pipe
Alatar (IRE) 4 11 0 Mr D. Kierans John McConnell IRE
Alborkan (FR) 4 11 0 Mr Jamie Hambro and Alan & Sally Coney Amy Murphy
Busselton (FR) 4 11 0 Chanelle Phar. Ltd Joseph Patrick O'Brien IRE
Carlos Felix (IRE) 4 11 0 Darren & Annaley Yates Dan Skelton
Castel Gandolfo (IRE) 4 11 0 Mr Nic Brereton Fergal O'Brien
Coltor (IRE) 4 11 0 M. Bucher D. K. Weld IRE
Druid's Altar (IRE) 4 11 0 Annus Mirabilis Syndicate Joseph Patrick O'Brien IRE
Duffle Coat (IRE) 4 11 0 Mr Ray Stokes Gordon Elliott IRE
Elham Valley (FR) 4 11 0 Caveat Emptor Partnership Fergal O'Brien
Farout (IRE) 4 11 0 Thurloe Thoroughbreds Ireland Limited W. P. Mullins IRE
French Aseel (FR) 4 11 0 Mrs J. Donnelly W. P. Mullins IRE
Goodbye Stranger (FR) 4 11 0 Mr Simon Munir & Mr Isaac Souede Nicky Henderson
Green Book (FR) 4 11 0 Lady Price, C Shaw, C Boylan & I Tagg Venetia Williams
Ha d'Or (FR) 4 11 0 Mrs S. Ricci W. P. Mullins IRE
Haut En Couleurs (FR) 4 11 0 Mrs J. Donnelly W. P. Mullins IRE
Hell Red (FR) 4 11 0 Sir Martin Broughton & Friends 6 Paul Nicholls
Heross du Seuil (FR) 4 11 0 Mrs J Donnelly Nicky Henderson
Historic Heart (IRE) 4 11 0 Atlantic Friends Racing Nigel Hawke
Homme Public (FR) 4 11 0 The Nevers Racing Partnership II Oliver Greenall
Honneur d'Ajonc (FR) 4 11 0 Valentine Bloodstock Racing Mrs Jane Williams
Hudson de Grugy (FR) 4 11 0 Alan Jamieson Site Services Ltd Gary Moore
Jeff Kidder (IRE) 4 11 0 Albert Dravins/Eamonn Scanlon Noel Meade IRE
John Locke (GB) 4 11 0 Sullivan Bloodstock Ltd & Chris Giles Dan Skelton
Keep It Brief (GB) 4 11 0 Mr Edward J. Ware Richard Phillips
Le Petit Nice (FR) 4 11 0 Ecurie Pigoni M & M Richard Chotard FR
Margaret's Legacy (FR) 4 11 0 Mr B. Dunn Hugo Merienne FR
Mica Malpic (FR) 4 11 0 Mr John P. McManus D. Cottin FR
Nassalam (FR) 4 11 0 Mr John Stone Gary Moore
Paros (FR) 4 11 0 Middleham Park Racing CXXV Nicky Henderson
Paso Doble (IRE) 4 11 0 Mr Graeme Brooks Paul Nicholls
Pleasure Garden (USA) 4 11 0 Mr H J Jarvis & Mrs P Jarvis Linda Jewell
Punctuation (GB) 4 11 0 Mr Grant Leon Charlie Longsdon
Quilixios (GB) 4 11 0 Cheveley Park Stud Gordon Elliott IRE
Sage Advice (IRE) 4 11 0 The Imperium Syndicate Dr Richard Newland
Saint Sam (FR) 4 11 0 Mr Edward J. Ware W. P. Mullins IRE
Soldier On Parade (GB) 4 11 0 Hostages To Fortune Amy Murphy
Son of Red (IRE) 4 11 0 Ian Gosden and Richard House Alan King
State Man (FR) 4 11 0 Mrs J. Donnelly W. P. Mullins IRE
Tax For Max (GER) 4 11 0 Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede W. P. Mullins IRE
Teahupoo (FR) 4 11 0 Robcour Gordon Elliott IRE
Tritonic (GB) 4 11 0 McNeill Family & Mr Ian Dale Alan King
Varna Gold (IRE) 4 11 0 Mr G. Keeley Paul John Gilligan IRE
Vulcan (IRE) 4 11 0 The Imperium Syndicate Dr Richard Newland
Wise Glory (IRE) 4 11 0 Foxhills Racing Limited Paul Nicholls
Youmdor (FR) 4 11 0 McNeill Family W. P. Mullins IRE
Zanahiyr (IRE) 4 11 0 Noel Moran/Mrs Valerie Moran Gordon Elliott IRE
Craylands (GB) 4 10 7 W. J. and T. C. O. Gredley Dan Skelton
Curious Bride (IRE) 4 10 7 Mrs J. A. Wakefield Noel Meade
Fortunes Melody (GB) 4 10 7 Mr Simon Munir & Mr Isaac Souede Harry Fry
Heure de Gloire (FR) 4 10 7 Mr D. Pipe David Pipe
Megan (GER) 4 10 7 The Danum Partnership Stuart Edmunds
Riviere d'Etel (FR) 4 10 7 Noel Moran/Mrs Valerie Moran Gordon Elliott IRE
Talking About You (GB) 4 10 7 Mr Ian M. McGready Sean Curran

54 entries

20 Irish-trained

3 French-trained

Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle – Day Four, Friday, 19 March

The longest of the G1 novices’ hurdles at The Festival™, the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle takes place over three miles on day four, Friday, 19 March.

There are 74 entries this time around, with 39 hailing from Ireland.

Prominent in the very open betting market are Stattler (Willie Mullins), impressive when scoring in a maiden hurdle at Leopardstown last month, and Barbados Buck’s (Paul Nicholls).

Out of a half-sister to the mighty Big Buck’s, four-time winner of what is now the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle, Barbados Buck’s has looked good in winning three of his four starts this season, following up a pair of Southwell successes with victory at Kempton Park on 9 January.

ALBERT BARTLETT NOVICES' HURDLE (Grade 1)

Adrimel (FR) 6 11 5 Lady Bamford & Alice Bamford Tom Lacey
Aki Bomaye (IRE) 6 11 5 Mrs Mary-Ann Middleton Colin Tizzard
Alaphilippe (IRE) 7 11 5 Mr Nic Brereton Fergal O'Brien
Ashdale Bob (IRE) 6 11 5 Diarmuid Horgan Mrs J. Harrington IRE
Ashtown Lad (IRE) 7 11 5 Darren & Annaley Yates Dan Skelton
Ask A Honey Bee (IRE) 7 11 5 Lewis, Lawson and Hope Fergal O'Brien
Baptism of Fire (IRE) 6 11 5 Gigginstown House Stud Henry de Bromhead IRE
Barbados Buck's (IRE) 6 11 5 The Stewart Family Paul Nicholls
Barbary Master (GB) 6 11 5 Gigginstown House Stud Noel Meade IRE
Beatthebullet (IRE) 7 11 5 Miss Rebecca Curtis Rebecca Curtis
Bobhopeornohope (IRE) 6 11 5 Mr J. Perriss Kim Bailey
Born Patriot (IRE) 5 11 5 Direct Bloodstock Ltd Peter Fahey IRE
Bothwell Bridge (IRE) 6 11 5 Mr T. Barr Nicky Henderson
Brazos (USA) 7 11 5 Mrs C. C. Regalado-Gonzalez John Joseph Murphy IRE
Cape Gentleman (IRE) 5 11 5 Mrs Margaret O'Rourke Emmet Mullins IRE
Capodanno (FR) 5 11 5 Mr John P. McManus W. P. Mullins IRE
Castle Robin (IRE) 6 11 5 Bradley Partnership Charlie Longsdon
Cavallino (IRE) 6 11 5 Mr Malcolm C. Denmark W. P. Mullins IRE
Champagnesuperover (IRE) 6 11 5 McNeill Family & Patrick&Scott Bryceland Olly Murphy
Clongowes (IRE) 7 11 5 Sam Tingey & Charlie Tingey Daniel Steele
Crosshill (IRE) 6 11 5 Mr R. A. Bartlett Mrs J. Harrington IRE
Does He Know (GB) 6 11 5 Yes He Does Syndicate Kim Bailey
Eden Flight (FR) 7 11 5 Mrs S. Ricci W. P. Mullins IRE
Emir Sacree (FR) 7 11 5 Mr G. L. Porter Nicky Henderson
Es Perfecto (IRE) 6 11 5 Mrs Liz Prowting Alan King
Exploiteur (FR) 7 11 5 Shaw Racing Partnership 2 Graeme McPherson
Fais Ton Chemin (FR) 6 11 5 M. L. Bloodstock Limited W. P. Mullins IRE
Fakiera (FR) 6 11 5 Mr T. O'Driscoll Gordon Elliott IRE
Fangio de Vassy (FR) 6 11 5 Mr Robert Finnegan Henry de Bromhead IRE
Farouk d'Alene (FR) 6 11 5 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott IRE
Fern Hill (IRE) 6 11 5 Cross Foran Harrison Ben Case
Fighter Allen (FR) 6 11 5 C. Jones W. P. Mullins IRE
French Paradoxe (FR) 6 11 5 Mick Fitzgerald Racing Club Oliver Signy
Fun Light (FR) 6 11 5 Rectory Road Holdings Limited Joseph Patrick O'Brien IRE
Ganapathi (FR) 5 11 5 Mrs J. Donnelly W. P. Mullins IRE
Gentlemansgame (GB) 5 11 5 Robcour M. F. Morris IRE
Gorki d'Airy (FR) 5 11 5 Mrs J. M. Mullins W. P. Mullins IRE
Heather Rocco (IRE) 6 11 5 Mr Mustafa Elatrash Henry de Bromhead IRE
Holymacapony (IRE) 5 11 5 Mr Barry Maloney Henry de Bromhead IRE
Indiana Jones (FR) 5 11 5 Robcour M. F. Morris IRE
It Could Be You (IRE) 7 11 5 Mrs H. Mullins Thomas Mullins IRE
Jungle Boogie (IRE) 7 11 5 Mr Malcolm C. Denmark W. P. Mullins IRE
Killer Kane (IRE) 6 11 5 J P Romans & Taylor, O'Dwyer Colin Tizzard
Land of Winter (FR) 5 11 5 Paul Smith & Rae Guest Rae Guest
Limestone Rock (IRE) 5 11 5 Michael O'Flynn/John F O'Flynn M. F. Morris IRE
Mahler Allstar (IRE) 7 11 5 Patrick Pyne Jonathan Sweeney IRE
Make Me A Believer (IRE) 6 11 5 Prof. C. Tisdall & Jane Gerard-Pearse David Pipe
Minella Escape (IRE) 6 11 5 Mr A. Halsall Henry de Bromhead IRE
Mint Condition (GB) 7 11 5 Whites Property Limited Jennie Candlish
N'Golo (IRE) 6 11 5 Mrs S. Ricci W. P. Mullins IRE
Nanobot (GB) 6 11 5 Mr Chris Harriman Alan King
Oscar Elite (IRE) 6 11 5 Mrs Mary-Ann Middleton Colin Tizzard
Pats Fancy (IRE) 6 11 5 Hydes,McDermott,Spencer,Frobisher & Lee Rebecca Curtis
Pennyforapound (IRE) 7 11 5 R & J Farnham,P Burns,S Gammond,F Street Rebecca Curtis
Petibonome (FR) 5 11 5 Robcour Henry de Bromhead IRE
Power of Pause (IRE) 6 11 5 Miss M. A. Masterson W. P. Mullins IRE
Ragnar Lodbrok (IRE) 6 11 5 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott IRE
Red Lion Lad (IRE) 5 11 5 Prof C Tisdall & Black Star David Pipe
Shadow Rider (FR) 7 11 5 Mr John P. McManus W. P. Mullins IRE
Stattler (IRE) 6 11 5 Mr R. A. Bartlett W. P. Mullins IRE
Stellar Magic (IRE) 6 11 5 Mr Allan Stennett Philip Hobbs
Streets of Doyen (IRE) 7 11 5 Ms Caroline Ahearn John McConnell IRE
Striking A Pose (IRE) 5 11 5 I & C Gosden, M Sharp & G Kennington Colin Tizzard
Tamar Bridge (IRE) 6 11 5 McNeill Family and Prodec Networks Ltd Olly Murphy
Threeunderthrufive (IRE) 6 11 5 McNeill Family Paul Nicholls
Torygraph (IRE) 6 11 5 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott IRE
Undersupervision (IRE) 5 11 5 Anne-Marie & Jamie Shepperd Nigel Twiston-Davies
Up For Parol (IRE) 5 11 5 Sir Chips Keswick Jamie Snowden
Vanillier (FR) 6 11 5 Mrs H. M. Keaveney Gavin Cromwell IRE
Wide Receiver (IRE) 6 11 5 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott IRE
Atlantic Fairy (IRE) 7 10 12 Mr Mark E. Phelan Henry de Bromhead IRE
Sandymount Rose (IRE) 7 10 12 Proudley and Whymark Partnership Neil Mulholland
Wynn House (GB) 6 10 12 Mr Rupert Anton Alan King
Duffle Coat (IRE) 4 10 10 Mr Ray Stokes Gordon Elliott IRE

74 entries

39 Irish-trained

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