Irish Champion Hurdle: A runner-by-runner guide The rain is causing problems over at Leopardstown and conditions are set to be very testing there on Sunday. It’s Day two of the Dublin Racing Festival and we have another seven excellent races to enjoy. Our highlight of the day is the Grade 1 Irish Champion Hurdle and a field of six has been declared. Our expert has gone through the entire field and assessed their chances of coming out on top. 1. Anzadam (T: Willie Mullins J: Harry Cobden) 8/1 Anzadam won twice in France for Arnaud Chaille-Chaille and made the perfect start to his career in Ireland when winning a Grade 3 at Fairyhouse in good style. He was a somewhat fortunate second in the Fighting Fifth in November and pulled way too hard at Leopardstown over Christmas. Getting him to settle will be key, especially at this level, and he might need a bit more time. 2. Casheldale Lad (T: Gordon Elliott J: Jordan Gainford) 66/1 This horse is a fair handicapper over this sort of trip and he did well to win a Listed contest at Down Royal in October. He’s consistent and possesses a good attitude but looks a little vulnerable at the highest level. Third behind Lossiemouth and Brighterdaysahead in the December Hurdle, that’s probably the best case scenario once again. 3. El Fabiolo (T: Willie Mullins J: JJ Slevin) 12/1 Willie Mullins’ nine-year-old appeared to have the world at his feet as a chaser, but the wheels fell off a bit after pulling up in the 2024 Champion Chase. It was a much improved display back over hurdles at Punchestown last time out and although this is a much tougher race, it would be unwise to rule out a return to the big time in this sphere. 4. Poniros (T: Willie Mullins J: Danny Mullins) 25/1 Another one for Mullins, Poniros sprung a huge surprise when winning the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham on his first start over hurdles and he got the better of the excellent Lulamba that day. He lost little in defeat when second to him at Punchestown after that, but he hasn’t been seen over timber since. This is just his third start over hurdles and he’ll probably need the run and the experience. 5. Brighterdaysahead (T: Gordon Elliott J: Jack Kennedy) Trainer Gordon Elliott has never been quiet about the regard in which he holds this mare and she looked exceptional when getting the better of State Man twice last season. She was never travelling at Cheltenham after that and was also pretty flat at Punchestown. Second to Lossiemouth on seasonal debut, she’s entitled to improve for the run and is unlikely to be far away. 6. Lossiemouth (T: Willie Mullins J: Paul Towned) The exceptional Lossiemouth has won 13 of her 16 starts to date and seven of those successes have come in Grade 1 company. Unbeaten in two starts this season, she won the Morgiana Hurdle without breaking sweat in November and knuckled down to beat Brighterdaysahead next time. It’s possible that she’s better than ever and victory should be on the cards.
