Brighterdaysahead produced a stunning display to win the State Man’s scalp again in the Neville Hotels Hurdle at Leopardstown.
Gordon Elliott’s filly suffered a surprise defeat to the Willie Mullins-trained State Man in the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown last month. The latter was his first defeat since chasing home Constitution Hill in the 2023 Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.
State Man, who won Champion Hurdle glory in Constitution Hill’s absence last season, was the 4/9 favorite to upset the race he landed in each of the last two seasons, but was unable to lay down the gloves for Brighterdaysahead. Fascinating incident.
From the off the race was dominated by Elliott with King Of Kingsfield and Brighterdaysahead quickly gaining a large advantage over State Man and the rest of the field.
Running from the finish to the second flight it was clear that State Man would struggle to bridge the gap, with the 5/2 shot Brighterdaysahead displacing her stablemate before heading home in fine isolation.
Gordon Elliott celebrates his 100th Grade One win.
She was a little untidy at the final hurdle but it didn’t matter as the 66/1 shot Winter Fog beat State Man in second and reached a very impressive 30-length verdict.
The result naturally had a huge impact on the ante post betting for the Champion Hurdle. Coral reduced Brighterdaysahead’s odds from 16/1 to 6/1 while cutting market leader Constitution Hill from 4/6 to 4/7. .
However, Brighterdaysahead connections insist the Mares’ Hurdle remains a serious alternative Festival target, with the Mares’ Hurdle being 5/4 second favorite in the same company behind high-yield market leader Lossiemouth.
Michael O’Leary said: “She was brilliant but the King Of Kingsfield also worked hard.”
“Eddie (O’Leary, brother) called me a few years ago and said he needed to buy a mare here. Gordon has loved her since he brought her home, so it’s up to the two of them.
“I’d like to choose the Mares’ Hurdle, but we’ll talk about it closer to Cheltenham, but ultimately it’ll be Gordon and Eddie’s decision and I’ll be overruled! Let’s enjoy the day.”
Coral eased State Man to 10/1 on April 1 to successfully defend his Champion Hurdle crown at Cheltenham in March after a poor showing, with jockey Paul Townend later saying: .”
