Felix Yonger well up to the task
I have actually been here on St Stephen’s Day over the 12 years, with a broken leg, but basically it was always a case of heading to Kempton, often to ride Kauto Star in the King George.
I won the King George fives times on the great one and took plenty of other races as well along the way.
Now, of course, I have firmly nailed my colours to Willie Mullins’ mast, so it will be a bit different making my way to Leopardstown and, rather unusually, watching the King George on television.
If I were still riding for Paul Nicholls, I would have no hesitation partnering Al Ferof, in preference to Silviniaco Conti.
I think three miles around this track is made for Al Ferof. Mind you chances are that I’d be switching to Silviniaco come the Gold Cup.
Anyway, whether it’s Leopardstown or Kempton, I am delighted to be in one piece and fit enough to go somewhere. I took a nasty fall off Urano in a maiden hurdle at Thurles on Sunday and got an early Christmas present, in that I didn’t suffer a serious injury.
The incident happened a few strides before the final hurdle, as we were about to launch what I hoped would be a decisive challenge. Urano was in the process of quickening through a gap when it closed. He clipped heels and I was sent crashing to the ground.
I knew immediately, however, all that had been dented was my dignity and physically was fine.
I was mighty relieved, because I’ve some terrific horses to look forward to all week, starting with real possibilities on Thursday.
Champagne Fever, twice a winner at the Cheltenham festival, is my most high profile ride in a Grade 1 novice chase. Regular readers of this column will know I really rate this horse and just think he is very good.
He began over fences when winning nicely at Punchestown and delighted me then. Champagne jumped grand and will be even better going left-handed, as he does have a tendency to jump fractionally left.
There will be loads of pace in the race, with Defy Logic, Trifolium and Road To Riches in the field.
This is a hot enough contest and I’m particularly looking forward to it, but will be disappointed if my lad fails to deliver.
I’m surprised the opening maiden hurdle has cut up to six runners, which is a poor start to proceedings. I’m on Clondaw Court and, I’d imagine, he will be a short priced favourite. He was last seen when winning a bumper by 27 lengths at Punchestown in November of last year.
Clondaw then picked up an injury and had to miss Cheltenham. That was a shame, as Patrick Mullins thought he was our best bumper horse last season.
He has been back in work a long time and has lots of done. He jumps well to boot and I have to be confident.
In contrast to the first, there are 17 declared for the other maiden hurdle on the card and I partner Daneking in this. He was beaten into second on his debut in this country at Cork, but the winner, The Game Changer, is a fair sort. Of even more importance, though, is the fact Daneking seems to have improved a hell of a lot for the experience and is capable of going close, at worst.
Willie runs two in the Grade 1 hurdle for juveniles and I’m on the second string, Noble Inn.
He has twice been trounced by Willie’s other runner, Analifet, who is owned by Gigginstown and will be partnered by Davy Russell.
Davy has to do 10-8 here and, as a result, I doubt will enjoy much of a Christmas dinner!
I’ve ridden Analifet in both her wins in this country, at Fairyhouse and Punchestown, and doubt any of us will lay a glove on her .
I end my day on E bazan for Conor O’Dwyer in a handicap hurdle, but it’s hard to make any sort of case for him.
Willie runs Vedettariat in the bumper and he is going nicely at home and seems in good form. Mind you if Willie is still waiting for his first winner of afternoon at this stage, then it will be a case of long faces all round.
He sends Felix Yonger to Limerick to contest the Grade 2 over fences for novices and he will be hard to beat.
Felix gave me a fine feel when winning by 15 lengths at Navan last time. A brilliant jumper, I believe he is a genuine Grade 1 horse.
At Leopardstown on Friday, I may have a choice between Arvika Ligeonniere and Twinlight in the Grade 1 Dial-A-Bet Chase. Willie has yet to firm up plans, but if they both run then it will definitely be Arvika for me. I know most people think he is best travelling right-handed and that is understandable. But I simply don’t see it as an issue.
I’ve ridden him to impressive victories this season at Clonmel and Punchestown and he jumped dead straight on both occasions.
I think he is a stronger horse this season, will love the likely testing conditions and can beat Sizing Europe.
Sunday is the last day of the festival, of course, and is all about Hurricane Fly, as far as team Mullins is concerned.
I saw Our Conor work at Navan recently and he was most impressive. Hurricane Fly, however, is in a good place right now, but I will be back with you here on Saturday, so much more about that then.
