Some of the biggest names in the game have stood their ground for the eight Grade 1 races at this weekend’s Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown.
Among those remaining in the Chanelle Pharma Irish Champion Hurdle on Saturday are last year’s winner Honeysuckle and Leopardstown specialist Sharjah while Minella Indo, Kemboy and Delta Work lead the way in Sunday’s Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup.
The unbeaten Honeysuckle heads the six entries for Saturday’s highlight, the Grade 1 Chanelle Pharma Irish Champion Hurdle. Willie Mullins’ team of three is headed by his triple Matheson Hurdle winner Sharjah which could be joined by Saint Roi and Saldier.
Abacadabras and Petit Mouchoir, winner of the Irish Champion Hurdle in 2017 when trained by Henry de Bromhead, have been left in by Gordon Elliott.
Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup
Minella Indo will be Henry de Bromhead’s sole representative in the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup but Willie Mullins remains doubly represented by Kemboy and Melon as he seeks an 11th win in the race.
Last year’s hero Delta Work and The Storyteller could line out for Gordon Elliott.
Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors ‘€50,000 Cheltenham Bonus For Stable Staff’ Novice Hurdle
A total of 17 horses go forward for the Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors ‘€50,000 Cheltenham Bonus For Stable Staff’ Novice Hurdle, the first of the weekend’s Grade 1 races.
Course winners Gaillard Du Mesnil and Stattler look to head Willie Mullins’ team while the Emmet Mullins-trained Cape Gentleman is another of the ante-post favourites still engaged.
Gavin Cromwell’s Vanillier, the Mouse Morris-trained Gentlemansgame, Jessica Harrington’s Ashdale Bob and the Gordon Elliott-trained Fakiera are other notable entries.
Ladbrokes Dublin Chase
Seven horses remain in the Ladbrokes Dublin Chase with early fancies Chacun Pour Soi, last year’s winner, Min and Tornado Flyer there for Willie Mullins.
Henry de Bromhead’s Notebook, successful in the Arkle Novice Chase at last year’s Dublin Racing Festival, Jessica Harrington’s Sizing Pottsie, the Pat Fahy-trained Castlegrace Paddy and Fakir D’oudairies from the Joseph O’Brien stable are the other contenders.
Arkle Novice Chase
Willie Mullins boasts a formidable team of four among the 11 remaining entries in the Arkle Novice Chase.
The champion trainer has Energumene, his top-flight Christmas winner Franco De Port, Unexcepted and Blackbow to call on while Darver Star is there for Gavin Cromwell, Paul Nolan has Latest Exhibition while Henry de Bromhead has both Epson Du Houx and Captain Guinness in the race. Gordon Elliott looks set to rely on Felix Desjy.
Sunday – Tattersalls Ireland Spring Juvenile Hurdle
The Grade one action on the second day of the Dublin Racing Festival on Sunday begins with the Tattersalls Ireland Spring Juvenile Hurdle and Gordon Elliott is again down to one with Quilixios his likely contender.
French Aseel could have his first start for Willie Mullins who also has Youmdor, Saint Sam and Ha D’Or. Sam Curling has his Limerick winner Awkwafina, the Killarney winner Varna Gold is there for Paul Gilligan and Busselton could yet represent Joseph O’Brien and raceday sponsor, owner Chanelle Pharma Ltd.
Chanelle Pharma Novice Hurdle
There are 19 horses remaining in the Chanelle Pharma Novice Hurdle, the first of two Dublin Racing Festival races sponsored by the County Galway company.
Appreciate It leads the way for Willie Mullins who also has the unbeaten mare Gauloise and Ganapathi on his side. Gordon Elliott’s Navan winner Magic Tricks stands his ground as do Paddy Corkery’s Leopardstown Christmas Festival winner Master McShee and Noel Meade’s pair, Cask Mate and Hes A Hardy Bloke.
Flogas Novice Chase
The impressive Monkfish continues to top the entries for the Flogas Novice Chase.
His trainer Willie Mullins has also left in Asterion Forlonge and Janidil.
Gordon Elliott has two remaining in the race, Andy Dufresne and Conflated while other notable entries include the Paul Nolan-trained Latest Exhibition and Joseph O’Brien’s Fils D’Oudairies.
