Teahupoo will face a maximum of five rivals as he looks to capture the Grade 1 BAR 1 Betting Hatton’s Grace Hurdle for a third time at Fairyhouse on Sunday.
Twelve months ago top mare Lossiemouth denied his bid to win the race three years running but Gordon Elliott’s star stayer gets another chance this weekend to join legends Limestone Lad, Solerina, Apple’s Jade and Honeysuckle as a three-time winner of the day two highlight of the Fairyhouse Winter Festival.
Teahupoo, which went on to take the runner-up spot in the Stayers’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival before gaining a season-ending Grade 1 success at Punchestown, could be joined in the BAR 1 Betting Hatton’s Grace Hurdle by his stable companions Casheldale Lad, which backed up his success at the Listowel Festival with an impressive winning display at Down Royal late last month, and Maxxum, winner of the Grade 2 Rathbarry & Glenview Studs Hurdle at Fairyhouse on Easter Monday.
Lossiemouth’s trainer Willie Mullins could be doubly represented in the race by Ballyburn, a Grade 1-winning novice chaser last season, set to start the new campaign over hurdles alongside Mystical Power, while the Solerina and Limestone Lad colours of the Bowe family will be carried this time by the Harry Kelly-trained Glen Kiln.
The eight remaining entries for the Grade 1 BAR 1 Betting Drinmore Novice Chase are headed by Romeo Coolio which made such an impressive start to his career over fences at Down Royal. The more experienced Pied Piper, already a three-time winner over fences, is also there for trainer Gordon Elliott.
Willie Mullins has left three in the race headed by the Scottish Grand National Handicap Chase winner Captain Cody. The champion trainer might also run his Grade 3 winner Gold Dancer, and You Oughta Know.
Winner of the Grade 1 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in 2024, Slade Steel might carry the hopes of Henry de Bromhead. Eoin Griffin looks set to run his Galway beginners’ chase and Cork Grade 3 winner Ol Man Dingle while Tom Gibney’s French import Raffles Dolce Vita could make his Irish debut in the race.
Earlier on Sunday’s card, 13 horses have been entered for the Grade 2 BAR 1 Betting Royal Bond Novice Hurdle. Port Authority, a runaway maiden hurdle winner at Naas is one of four for Gordon Elliott and the Punchestown maiden hurdle winner Gameball is there for Henry de Bromhead. Willie Mullins looks set to rely on his Tipperary Grade 3 winner Love Me Tender, while Blake and Amen Kate certainly have their chance for Noel Meade and Tom Cooper respectively.
Sunday’s card also features the Grade 3 BAR 1 Betting Juvenile Hurdle with French recruits Mange Tout, a recent winner for Gordon Elliott at Down Royal, and Willie Mullins’ Narciso Has probably setting the standard.
John Sheridan, Fairyhouse General Manager, said: “We’re really excited to see the entries for the Winter Festival this weekend and it is sure to be a great two days of racing. The BAR 1 Betting Hatton’s Grace Hurdle is set to be an enthralling renewal with Teahupoo taking on Ballyburn along with a host of top quality horses. There is also really strong entries for the BAR 1 Betting Drinmore Novice Chase and the BAR 1 Betting Royal Bond Novice Hurdle.
“Saturday’s card opens with the SIS Supporting Irish Racing Beginners Chase which is always one for the notebook and this year looks no different. Likewise, the Jack McInerney Memorial Hurdle produced a great performance 12 months ago from Anzadam so we’re hoping to see something similar again this year.
“Ticket sales continue to be really well supported with a lot of great entertainment over the two days, highlighted by Rachael Blackmore in our new Fan Zone on Sunday.’
Click here for the five-day entries for Fairyhouse on Sunday, November 30
The Fan Zone, a new initiative for the Winter Festival, launches on Sunday November 30 with Rachael Blackmore who will sign copies of her book Granny National along with members of the Meath football team on-hand to sign autographs.
Former racehorses Al Boum Photo, Raz De Maree and Easy Game, who have all found new careers post-racing will take part in the Treo Eile Parade on Sunday.
Popular band Wolfhound will take to the stage in the festival marquee on Saturday after racing while The Sandmen will storm the same venue on Sunday.
There are free local transfers available before and after racing, to and from Fairyhouse Racecourse picking up in Ratoath, Ashbourne, Dunshaughlin, Dunboyne and the M3 parkway. Marathon Coaches are providing a bus service from Dublin City Centre and you can buy your tickets on the Marathon coaches or www.fairyhouse.ie
General admission tickets are available for €20 for Saturday and €30 for Sunday at www.fairyhouse.ie. For group bookings of 6+ general admission tickets there is a 15% saving on each ticket.
Gates Open 10am each day. First Race on Saturday November 29 is 11:36am and 12:05pm on Sunday November 30.
