Preview: Nick Rockett's seasonal debut the highlight of St Patrick’s Day action

Being prepared by Willie Mullins for a return to Aintree on April 11, the nine-year-old will be re-united with Patrick Mullins, who partnered him to Grand National glory last April.

Tue, 17 Mar, 2026 - 07:40

John Ryan

The seasonal debut of last year’s Randox Grand National victor Nick Rockett in Down Royal’s Bluegrass Racehorse Cubes Chase promises to be the highlight of the St. Patrick’s Day action.

Being prepared by Willie Mullins for a return to Aintree on April 11, the nine-year-old will be re-united with Patrick Mullins, who partnered him to Grand National glory last April, at the expense of stable-companions I Am Maximus and Grangeclare West.

But making his seasonal bow, ‘Nick’ might struggle to cope with the race-fir, Gordon Elliott-trained Gerri Colombe, who boats top-notch course form, including a win in the Ladbrokes Champion Chase (Grade 1) in 2023 and a close third to ill-fated Envoi Allen in the same race twelve months later.

Gerri Colombe has returned to action after a significant break in recent months, finishing third behind last week’s Stayers Hurdle winner Home By The Lee in the Grade 2 Galmoy Hurdle at Gowran Park on his penultimate start.

Last time, the Cullentra gelding ran a solid race when runner-up to Grangeclare West in the ‘Bobbyjo’ at Fairyhouse.

He should have a fitness edge today and, in receipt of 7lb. might prove too strong for Nick Rockett, a revelation in the second half of last season, when he won the ‘Thyestes’, off 152, before winning the ‘Bobbyjo’ en route to his unforgettable victory in Aintree.

It should be a fascinating duel. And Gerro Colombe might have the edge.

Later on the Down Royal card, the step-up to an extended two and a half miles should bring sufficient improvement from Paul Nolan’s I Am Lorenzo to land the spoils.

Outpaced over two miles at Punchestown last time, he stayed on late behind Pure Steel and has been found a good opportunity.

In Wexford, the Robert Tyner-trained Harty Cup might defy the handicapper by following-up his Clonmel success in the Treo Eile Novice Handicap Hurdle.

This five-year-old Yeats gelding had shown glimmers of promise in maidens, shaped encouragingly on his handicap debut when fourth Marelly at Gowran Park and duly delivered last time.

Ridden close to the pace, he stretched away in good style to beat Falcon Park by six lengths in Clonmel, a performance which earned him a 10lb. hike from the handicapper.

But, in the belief that there’s more to come from him, Hartry Cup is a confident choice to score again.

And the Henry de Bromhead-trained Minella Machine, bought for €350,000 after his ‘point-to-point victory in Curraghmore, looks the one to beat in the Wexford bumper.

He was beaten eight lengths when fourth to subsequent Cheltenham Bumper winner The Mourne Rambler on his racecourse debut at Leopardstown and, with improvement expected, he might prove too strong for Gordon Elliott’s Coq Noir, a ‘point’ winner at Ballysteen.

SELECTIONS

WEXFORD

1.37.Brosna Queen

2.12.Eliodam

2.47.Harty Cup (n.b.)

3.22.One Big Boum

3.57.Yoradreamer

4.32.Lake Chad

5.05.Minella Machine

Next Best

1.37.Shadys Lady

2.12.Zam Bobbler