As November turns to December, the Cheltenham Festival is still four months away. However, barely a Graded race goes by that doesn’t impact the markets for the signature events at those magical four days in March.
The hurdlers took centre stage over the weekend as Champion Hurdle prospects were scrutinised at Newcastle and Fairyhouse. With Constitution Hill still absent and defending champion State Man beaten on his seasonal return, the door appears ajar for another challenger to force their way to the summit. Following the Fighting Fifth Hurdle and Hatton’s Grace Hurdle, we have two contenders who appear ready, willing and able to challenge for top honours up the Cheltenham Hill.
Super Sub Stroll in Fighting Fifth
Earmarked for the return of the most talented hurdler of his generation, Newcastle lost its main attraction due to Constitution Hill’s latest setback. However, with one superstar two-miler sidelined, Nicky Henderson wheeled out another in the shape of Sir Gino. Unbeaten in three during his novice campaign, the four-year-old had looked set to tackle fences this season having wowed his handler in his schooling work. However, this is a race Henderson likes to target and having scored over this trip in Grade 1 Novice company, Sir Gino was the obvious replacement.
The Willie Mullins-trained Mystical Power headed up the opposition. Now running in the pink and green of Rich Ricci, the Galileo gelding arrived as a dual Grade 1 winner in his novice season and with a two-pound higher rating than Sir Gino.
The market couldn’t split the Henderson and Mullins runners, who started as 6/5 joint favourites, in what looked like a close race on paper. In reality, it turned into a rout. With Mystical Power in trouble not long after halfway and running way below his best, it was left to Sir Gino to cruise into contention and quicken away for an emphatic eight-length success.
Another String to the Donnelly Bow
On this evidence, Sir Gino certainly wouldn’t look out of place in the Champion Hurdle field. However, whether he ultimately lines up on the day remains to be seen. Owner Mrs J Donnelly already has the reigning champion State Man running in her colours, in addition to the hugely impressive Fairyhouse winner Anzadam, who may yet enter the picture following his switch to the Willie Mullins yard from France.
Trainer Nicky Henderson may be keen to let Sir Gino take his chance in a race he likes to win. On the other hand, the Seven Barrows maestro has waxed lyrical regarding Sir Gino’s ability to jump a fence. Much may depend upon the progress made by Constitution Hill between now and March. Sir Gino is now a general 4/1 chance for Champion Hurdle glory.
Lossiemouth Roars in Hatton’s Grace
Held over the intermediate trip of 2m4f, the 2024 Hatton’s Grace Hurdle field contained the current market leaders for the Champion Hurdle and the Stayers’ Hurdle.
2023 Stayers’ Hurdle King Teahupoo arrived seeking a hattrick of Hattons Grace wins for Gordon Eliott, but lying in wait amongst the opposition was a Willie Mullins-trained mare who had lost only one of nine previous outings, and currently sat atop the Champion Hurdle market.
Teahupoo gave it a good go when kicking for home over the second last, but not for a second did he look like repelling the looming danger to his outside. Racing just off the pace throughout, Paul Townend cruised into contention aboard Lossiemouth as his fellow rivals asked for everything. Merely nudged out after the last, the strapping mare hit the line full of running and over three lengths clear of the vanquished champ.
This was a mighty performance from the Rich Ricci runner, whom Willie Mullins has always spoken of in glowing terms. Now firmly established as the most talented mare in the two-mile to 2m4f division, Lossiemouth still has a bit to do to reach the heights of a peak Constitution Hill. However, with the doubts surrounding the wellbeing of the Nicky Henderson star, she is now out on her own at the head of the Champion Hurdle market at a general price of 7/4.
