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Jade De Grugy too good for Brightersdaysahead in Mares Champion Hurdle at Punchestown

Jade De Grugy too good for Brightersdaysahead in Mares Champion Hurdle at Punchestown

Irish Examiner03-05-2025
Jade De Grugy produced a career-best performance to continue Willie Mullins' recent domination of the SBK Irish EBF Mares Champion Hurdle at Punchestown.
The Closutton handler had saddled eight of the last 10 winners of the Grade One contest and having finished best of the rest behind esteemed stablemate Lossiemouth in the Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham in March, Jade De Grugy was even-money to add to his tally.
After initially being settled in third place by Paul Townend, the six-year-old was allowed to stride on in front heading out for the second circuit, a move which was covered by her main rival Brighterdaysahead, who was bidding to bounce back from a disappointing run in the Champion Hurdle.
The big two were clear of the chasing pack rounding the home turn and Jade De Grugy always looked to be going the better, pulling further ahead in the straight to score by six and a half lengths. A tiring Brighterdaysahead was eventually beaten to the runner-up spot by the winner's stablemate Gala Marceau.
Mullins said of the winner: "She's a mare that's been improving all year. Nicer ground was a big help and tactically Paul was brilliant.
"Brighterdaysahead probably just had a very hard race at Christmas and she never really recovered from it.
"We're delighted to be able to win a Grade One with a filly like this and I'd say we'll probably train her for the Mares' Hurdle again next year."
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‘Luckiest owners ever' switch horses including ‘unbelievable' chaser from Paul Nicholls to Nicky Henderson
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The Irish Sun

time2 days ago

  • The Irish Sun

‘Luckiest owners ever' switch horses including ‘unbelievable' chaser from Paul Nicholls to Nicky Henderson

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Royal Ascot: Oz raider Spackler to shake up Queen Anne Stakes
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RTÉ News​

time16-06-2025

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Royal Ascot: Oz raider Spackler to shake up Queen Anne Stakes

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‘Monster' Royal Ascot horse outruns a car in blistering workout under Ryan Moore – as bookies scramble to slash price
‘Monster' Royal Ascot horse outruns a car in blistering workout under Ryan Moore – as bookies scramble to slash price

The Irish Sun

time11-06-2025

  • The Irish Sun

‘Monster' Royal Ascot horse outruns a car in blistering workout under Ryan Moore – as bookies scramble to slash price

EVERY punter knows the famous story of how legendary racehorse Frankel famously outran the 7.13am train from Newmarket to Cambridge. But it looks like a new legend could be made after a 'monster' Royal Ascot runner appeared to show more zip than a car in a 'blistering' piece of work. Millionaire runner Satono Reve impressed all those who saw him on the July track at Newmarket on Wednesday morning. Trained by Noriyuki Hori, the international raider looked a machine when extending under the watchful eye of his master trainer. Footage of his work showed a car in the distance fail to get up close to the six-year-old as he absolutely flew past those near the post. And his workmate, a local horse trained by James Horton, was soon left trailing in his wake. But it was Moore's role in the saddle that really got tongues wagging ahead of Satono Reve's intended run in the star-studded Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes next Saturday. Satono Reve has won seven of his 11 career races and amassed more than £2.5million in prize money. British punters may not know much about him but he has form against Ka Ying Rising - officially the best sprinter in the world. Paddy Power and Ladbrokes cut the speedster to 6-1 from 8s after footage of Satono Reve's work under Moore spread online. Most read in Horse Racing Paddy's Paul Binfield said: "There's been a bit of interest for the Japanese raider this morning and while it's hard to equate winning a Grade One at Chukyo with the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, the volume we've seen has forced us into evasive action and the Hori-trained runner is into 6-1 from 8s." Cal Gildart of Ladbrokes added: "Satono Reve placed behind superstar Ka Ying Rising on both his previous trips abroad, and punters are excited to see how that translates at Royal Ascot." Punters absolutely loved what they saw. One said Satono Reve 'burned up the turf' while another added in response to the footage simply: "Monster." He'll have his work cut out in the race proper, with globe-trotting superstar Lazzat, one of many recently bought by Wathnan, heading the market at 3-1. FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. . Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

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