Naas Ballymore Hurdle Preview: Mullins to test Sortudo Grade 1 potential The first weekend of January brings top class action from Naas, with the flagship race meeting of the year at the Co Kildare venue headlined by the newly titled Grade 1 Ballymore Novice Hurdle. It's the first Grade 1 race of the new year in Ireland and has been won in recent times by stars such as Envoi Allen and Bob Olinger. Naas Racecourse manager Aidan McGarry knows the importance of the meeting for the track. "It's a day that always attracts a really strong card from within the feature race itself,” he said. “In years gone by we've seen the likes of Bob Olinger, Champ Kiely and The Yellow Clay win the feature race, so racegoers are sure to be treated to some high-quality horses again this year." With €59,000 on offer to the winner of the Grade 1 Ballymore Novice Hurdle we are taking a look ahead at some of the possible contenders in a race Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott have combined to win 11 times in 12 years. Sortudo to stand up? Willie Mullins has won this race nine times, most recently with Readin Tommy Wrong (2024) and the champion trainer has plenty of options to fire for the first Grade 1 of 2026. They could include impressive Cork maiden winner Sortudo, who missed the major Christmas contests at Leopardstown. Mullins was most complimentary about Sortudo in his autumn dispatches and while his debut win came over two miles, the vibes are that he will want further so this intermediate race could be optimal for him to test his Grade 1 credentials. Royal Ascot winner Sober is another possible Mullins contender, though is yet to race over hurdles, while Free Spirit, Copacabana and Davy Crockett are other Closutton inmates unsighted at Christmas that hold entries. Elliott's in-form squad sure to challenge It has been a festive season full of joy for Gordon Elliott as the Cullentra handler has fired in winners with regularity, everything from open Grade 1s to promising maiden hurdlers. He is selling the idea that he cannot possibly claim Mullins' trainers' title this season but there is no doubt he is building a challenge. This race has been won by horses from Elliott's yard five times in nine years, with Death Duty, Battleoverdoyen, Envoi Allen, Ginto and The Yellow Clay doing the business. Kalypso'chance disappointed over three miles at Cork in early December and could drop back in trip now, while fellow Gigginstown runner Kovanis is also clutching an entry after running third in the Grade 2 Navan Novice Hurdle last month. Classical Creek won a maiden over course and distance in November, beating 21 rivals, and the Michael O'Leary-owned inmate could be primed for a rise in class as Gigginstown and Elliott bid to continue their superb recent run. Lord Rouge, Newbrook Diamond and Port Authority could also represent the Co Meath trainer. Queally challenger to Sort them out? Declan Queally appears to have a well above-average contender on his hands in I'll Sort That. He is now 3-3 over timber after winning the Bar One Racing For Auction Novice Hurdle over two miles at Navan in November. He was strong through the line and has already won over this trip, so it looks a logical move for a contender that might not have the star power to be a Supreme horse come Cheltenham in March. Henry de Bromhead could aim Fruit De Mer here, while Switch From Diesel could be interesting for Ross O'Sullivan and Paul Nolan holds an entry with Thedeviluno. Tony Mullins thinks plenty of Letos, a winner over C&D in November and outstayed since at Carlisle, so he's another worth noting if taking up the option. What to Expect at Naas: Prizes, Fashion, and Schedule Details Aside from the action on the track, Naas have lined up some real treats for racegoers. The day will begin with a special edition of Paddy Power From The Horse’s Mouth Live hosted by Tom Nugent and featuring a star-studded line up of guests including Ruby Walsh and Fran Berry as they look back on all the racing highlights from the Christmas period. One lucky racegoer on Sunday will win a cool €10,000! A sweepstake will take place on the day at Naas and the racegoer who draws the winning horse in a selected race on the day will scoop the prize. There will also be a Winter Best Dressed competition for racegoers with the winner picking up a fabulous prize of a €2,000 Frasers gift card to be used in their nearby Newbridge store and a luxury two-night stay in the 4-star Kilkea Castle. Runners-up in the WInter Best Dressed competition won’t go home empty-handed either as they will each receive a €100 Frasers gift card and afternoon tea for two in Kilkea Castle. The action at Naas is scheduled to begin at 11.55am with the Grade One Ballymore Novices Hurdle due to go to post at 2.25pm. Check out the full details of the event HERE
