Mullins-trained runner set for Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle date at Cheltenham.
Connections of the talented Jade De Grugy are eagerly anticipating her participation in the prestigious Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at the upcoming Cheltenham Festival.
Purchased for €230,000 from France, the five-year-old mare has seamlessly impressed under the tutelage of trainer Willie Mullins at Closutton. Making a remarkable debut at Leopardstown with a commanding 15-length victory over Christmas, Jade De Grugy continued her winning streak by comfortably claiming the Grade Three Solerina Mares Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse last month.
Securing her spot at the Cheltenham Festival, Jade De Grugy is expected to face stiff competition in the Cotswolds. Despite being a strong contender for the race that owner Kenny Alexander triumphed in with Telmesomethinggirl in 2021, she is set to challenge unbeaten rivals Brighterdaysahead and Dysart Enos.
Peter Molony, racing manager for Kenny Alexander, expressed confidence in Jade De Grugy's abilities, stating,
“She’s a magnificent mare and has been impeccable in her performances thus far. It’s shaping up to be a highly competitive race with formidable opponents like Dysart Enos from Fergal O’Brien’s yard and Gordon Elliott’s highly praised Brighterdaysahead. It won’t be an easy win, but we are hopeful of a successful outcome”.
At the Cheltenham Festival, Mullins and Alexander will also field Kargese in the Triumph Hurdle, aiming to better their second-place finish with Gala Marceau from the previous year. Following her victory in the Grade One Spring Juvenile Hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival, Kargese is prepared to challenge the ante-post favourite, Sir Gino, who left a lasting impression on Cheltenham Trials day.
Reflecting on Kargese's prospects, Molony commented,
“Last year’s success with Gala Marceau was a pleasant surprise, but this time around, victory was well-deserved. We are confident in Kargese’s capabilities as a top-class competitor, as she gears up to face the formidable Sir Gino trained by Mr Henderson. While Sir Gino’s performance was impressive, we believe Kargese faced a tougher field in her race and could pose a genuine challenge to the favourite”.