Some of the biggest names in the game have stood their ground for the eight Grade 1 races at this weekend’s Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown. Among those remaining in the Chanelle Pharma Irish Champion Hurdle on Saturday is last year’s winner Honeysuckle (pictured above) and Petit Mouchoir, while Minella Indo leads the way in Sunday’s Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup.
The unbeaten Honeysuckle heads the six entries for Saturday’s highlight, the Grade 1 Chanelle Pharma Irish Champion Hurdle. The mare started her career between the flags when winning her maiden at Dromahane in the hands of Mark O’Hare for handler Jerry Cosgrave. The Kenny Alexander owned mare has now won on all eight starts under rules which includes five Grade 1 victories.
Minella Indo will be Henry de Bromhead’s sole representative in the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup, the gelding was unlucky on his previous start in the Savills Chase when coming to grief at the eighth fence.
The son of Beat Hollow started his career with John Nallen when winning his maiden at Dromahane in 2018. He has won five races under rules from his 11 starts which includes five Graded victories.
A total of 17 horses go forward for the Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors ‘€50,000 Cheltenham Bonus For Stable Staff’ Novice Hurdle, the first of the weekend’s Grade 1 races. The Mouse Morris-trained Gentlemansgame, Gavin Cromwell’s Vanillier, Willie Mullin’s Shadow Rider, Gordon Elliott trained Wide Reciever and the Henry de Bromhead trained Holymacapony are all notable entries having all started their careers between the flags.
The impressive Monkfish continues to top the entries for the Flogas Novice Chase, his trainer Willie Mullins has also left in fellow Irish pointer Asterion Forlonge. Gordon Elliott has two remaining in the races which includes exciting Borris point-to-point winner Andy Dufresne.
Click here for Saturday’s entries for the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown
Click here for Sunday’s entries for the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown
