Gordon Elliott has confirmed that his star mare, Brighterdaysahead, will remain over hurdles for the 2024/25 jumps season, with the Mares' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival as her primary target. Despite considering a switch to fences, the team decided to stick with hurdles for the Grade One Mersey Novices' Hurdle winner, who is set to return to racing in early November.
Brighterdaysahead had an impressive season last year, winning four out of five starts, with her only defeat coming in the Mares' Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham. Elliott expressed his excitement about the mare’s future, stating, "We think the world of her and can't wait to see her back on the track."
Her first race back will be in the Jezki Hurdle at Down Royal on November 1, with a long-term focus on the Cheltenham Festival.
Meanwhile, Elliott's Stayers' Hurdle winner, Teahupoo, is set to follow a familiar campaign trail, aiming for another successful run at Cheltenham in March.