Fergal O’Brien’s talented mare Dysart Enos is set to make her return in the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham in November. The daughter of Malinas, unbeaten in her three bumper outings, concluded her impressive run with a nine-length victory in the Grade Two Mares’ Bumper at Aintree.
Dysart Enos carried her form into hurdling last season, winning three novice events and emerging as a key contender for the Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. However, a minor injury dashed those plans, allowing her rival Golden Ace to claim victory in the Festival race and subsequently win a Listed race at Cheltenham.
Unfortunately, Dysart Enos missed the remainder of last season, including a planned appearance at Aintree’s Top Novices’ Hurdle due to unsuitable ground conditions. After a summer break, O’Brien is optimistic about her upcoming season, expressing satisfaction with her preparation.
"She’s working very well, and we’re planning to start in the Greatwood," O’Brien said, adding a cautious note, "I had intended to run her in the Mares’ Hurdle last year, and that didn’t go as planned."
The Greatwood Hurdle is Dysart Enos’ current target, with O’Brien keen to take things step by step. "We’ve had a great summer with her, and we’ll assess her future after the Greatwood," he concluded, leaving options open regarding the next steps in her campaign.