Return of the Mik at Fairyhouse

Mikael D’Haguenet will finally make his eagerly awaited return to action in the Bar One Racing Drinmore Novice Chase at Fairyhouse tomorrow.

Unbeaten in six starts over hurdles since joining Willie Mullins, including three times at Grade One level, he makes his first start over fences in Ireland in the Grade One contest.

The six-year-old has been sidelined since May of last year and his return has been delayed due to the multiple cancellations of this meeting.

Chief among his opposition on Wednesday is Gordon Elliott’s Jessies Dream, a winner at Galway on his latest start.

John Kiely saddles multiple winner Head Of The Posse, while other notable contenders among the 10 declared include Cheltenham Festival winner Berties Dream, Noel Meade’s Realt Dubh and the Colm Murphy-trained Quito De La Roque.

Elliott is pleased with Jessies Dream and hopes to find out more about what level he is up to competing at.

“Obviously with the weather we’ve all been held up a bit but he hasn’t missed a whole lot of work and he’s in good form,” said Elliott.

“Mikael D’Haguenet has been off for a while but he looks the one we all have to beat.

“It’s a step up for us but we need to find out if he’s going to be up Grade One level.

“He’s in good form and he’s well, so we’re hoping for a big run from him.”