Brighterdaysahead Champion Hurdle bid good for racing, says Elliott

Brighterdaysahead is firmly on course for the Unibet Champion Hurdle at next week’s Cheltenham Festival after delighting trainer Gordon Elliott in a post racing workout at Leopardstown.

The Cullentra House handler confirmed on Monday morning that his star mare would go up against the boys in the opening day feature at Prestbury Park, rather than take the perceived easier option of the Mares’ Hurdle on the same card.

Brighterdaysahead was one of several Elliott-trained runners bound for Cheltenham to stretch their legs after the final National Hunt meeting of the season at Leopardstown and looked the part as she passed the post in front of several stablemates under the returning Jack Kennedy.

“Brighterdaysahead, very happy. She looked brilliant and galloped very well,” Elliott said afterwards.

“It’s good for the public that she’s going for the Champion Hurdle and we’re very happy.

“We’re going there with a live chance, I think it’s good for racing and it will be one of the races of the week, so we’re looking forward to it.”

Others to strut their stuff at the Foxrock circuit included Supreme Novices’ Hurdle contender Romeo Coolio, the defending Stayers’ Hurdle champion Teahupoo and Found A Fifty, who looks set to throw his hat in the Queen Mother Champion Chase ring.

Elliott added: “Romeo Coolio I was happy with, I thought Firefox worked well and Kala Conti and Ndaawi both worked well.

“I was very happy with Wodhooh and The Yellow Clay and Found A Fifty actually worked well and will probably run in the Champion Chase. At a massive price, he could have an each-way chance.

“Teahupoo I was very happy with and The Wallpark worked very well. Ballybow galloped and Galvin and Better Days Ahead I was very happy with. All the bumper horses galloped well, too.

“The two horses jumped over fences, Dee Capo and Stellar Story, and both of them jumped well.”

Brighterdaysahead has been beaten just once in her 10-race career and will head for the Cotswolds after notching back-to-back Grade One victories in the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown in November and Leopardstown’s Neville Hotels Hurdle at Christmas.

She beat last year’s Champion Hurdle hero State Man by three-quarters of a length on the first occasion and that rival was left toiling in December, as Brighterdaysahead had him over 31 lengths away in third.

Elliott and owner Gigginstown House Stud had been left with a dilemma regarding her Festival target, but in a statement posted on www.gordonelliottracing.com, the trainer said: “I can confirm that Brighterdaysahead will be going for the Unibet Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.

“After talking it over with Michael and Eddie (O’Leary), we decided that we would take up the option of the Champion Hurdle.

“Obviously, it’s going to be a huge test for the mare but she’s in great shape, her preparation has gone superbly and she’s in great order.

“We’ve never won a Champion Hurdle and it is great to have a challenger for one of National Hunt racing’s most iconic races, so it’s something we are greatly looking forward to.”

Coral clipped Brighterdaysahead to 2-1 second favourite from 9-4 for the Champion Hurdle, with Constitution Hill heading the market at 8-13, having been eased slightly from 1-2 following the news that Elliott’s mare will run.

Lossiemouth is next best on the list at 4-1, although she is now the 4-6 favourite for the Mares’ Hurdle in Brighterdaysahead’s absence.

“Brighterdaysahead absolutely deserves her place in this year’s Champion Hurdle field, so credit to her connections for opting to take on the challenge. She’s the clear second favourite for the race, and while Constitution Hill remains odds-on to regain his crown, the presence of the mare has undoubtedly made his task harder,” said the firm’s David Stevens.