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“In the end, Faugheen jumps it brilliantly, Samcro comes back in second place. The old warrior still has a lot of life left! Faugheen advances to the line to win …”
December 26, 2019 will be forever tattooed in my memory. Leading Faugheen to victory over Samcro and the great reception he received from the great Limerick crowd was something very special.
But the future is always more intriguing than the past, and this Christmas it’s all about trying to make another mark on the post.
Paul Townend has decided to head south to ride Asterion Forlonge in the now called ‘Faugheen Novice Chase’. Our sometimes rebellious gray was electric in its fencing debut in Punchestown. He jumped to his right over the last two hurdles when the gas was pressed, so it made sense to hit the Limerick right-handed track. Heavy terrain won’t be a problem and the ride should be ideal too.
However, this is not a ride. Janadil was tremendously impressive when he won at Naas, on a day when the rest of our runners lost control, and he has the physique to be a true steeplechase. You have to show that you measure up to the first grade class, but we’ve always thought you could be. This test will tell us more.
Colreevy is also facing the incumbent. A winning grade one bumper mare is another that is made for fencing. I don’t think there is a rookie mare that can beat her, so it will be fascinating to see where she fits in with geldings.
In the two-mile grade one rookie chase at Leopardstown, we raced with both Black Bow and Franco De Port.
Black Bow is one of the best looking horses in our yard and his extended trot under Jason Dear is a sight that even the great dressage champion Valegro would admire.
He lost his way over obstacles last year and at times it seemed like the only thing he would be a hazard to would be a plate of carrots. But from the first day we educate him on fencing he has been shining. The way you attack your hurdles will really suit the running style for this speed test.
Franco De Port was a bit disappointing last year. However, he was not a rookie, which meant he had to go straight into the deep end and that’s not simple. It is much smaller and lighter than Black Bow, but it seems agile on its fences. The two have great potential, but they’re facing off against established first-grade performers in Darver Star and Felix Desjy, so it’s best to watch.
We shipped Saint Sam and Ha D’Or for the Juvenile Hurdle earlier on the card. Saint Sam looks like a miniature Saint Burrows, they share the same father, while Ha D’Or is a large and fine horse, a juvenile in the sense that Djakadam was a juvenile. Zanayhir is out of the Flat and was imperious in Fairyhouse. It will be very difficult to beat.
However, regardless of what the two of them do, I think they both have a future and should be taken into account. They won over the summer in France and as we don’t want to lose their rookie year, we haven’t been able to give them the time to acclimatize that we usually give our French imports. Guinness and stew is quite a shock after Merlot and croissants. I think they will continue to improve throughout the year.
I drive three during the day. In typical Willie fashion, they told me this a little less than five minutes before deposition time. Micro Manage has been frustrating for the past two years. It has a huge engine under the chestnut hood, but the chassis is fragile. His jump is good and he’s working well. It may be better in the future, but your class should pull it off with normal luck.
I ride MC Muldoon for my mother Jackie. At home he is doing well, but I prefer to be with our other rider El Barra. However, it is better to keep mothers happy at this time of year.
Cool Jet runs on the bumper. He is related to cousin Vinny and is a similar guy, not too big but strong. He’s lazy at home, but a few weeks ago we had an impressive big winner with his sire Jet Away and I hope Cool Jet can be another winner for that promising stud.
I know some of the nights have been long and dark lately, but after winter summer always comes. I hope these few days of action can accelerate our path to better days ahead.
Patrick’s Tips
Micro Manage (Leopardstown, 12.0)
Shadow Rider (Limerick, 1.22)
Cool Jet (Leopardstown, 3.25)
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