Judicieuse Allen, the promising five-year-old acquired for €100,000 by Valentine Bloodstock's Ed Partridge in conjunction with Thurloe Thoroughbred's Jess Stafford from French trainer Gabriel Leenders, could be gearing up for a step-up in class following a scintillating debut for trainer Willie Mullins during the Christmas period.
As the 6-5 favorite, Judicieuse Allen donned the Thurloe Thoroughbred silks for her eagerly-anticipated debut at Limerick. Under the skillful guidance of jockey Adrian Heskin, she displayed an impressive turn of speed, accelerating towards the finish line to secure victory.
Delighted with the performance, connections are now contemplating her next outing. One potential option is the SBK Solerina Mares Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse on January 27.
James Stafford of Thurloe shared his thoughts, saying, "She has come out of the race OK – which is the main thing – and I think the plan is to run her at the end of the month at Fairyhouse. It's very early, but she showed a nice turn of foot that day (at Limerick), and I don't think it was just other horses stopping. I think she finished quite well, having got into a bit of trouble."
He continued, "She's a nice mare, and there's ability there. She showed a bit in France before we bought her and certainly showed her, turn of foot at Limerick. I was very pleased, and Willie was pleased, which is the main thing."
Stafford emphasized the need for caution despite the horse's promising start, stating, "We are very pleased with her, but it is still early days – it was only her first run, so we must not get too carried away. We haven't had a long-term discussion with Willie about it, but the Solerina was mooted, and that is where we are now. But the fact he is even considering it is quite a good sign. Willie will decide, but the end of the month is something we have on the radar."
Judicieuse Allen, while still at the early stages of her career, is already etching her name in Closutton folklore. She was part of Willie Mullins' incredible seven-timer at Limerick and Leopardstown on December 27, commencing the remarkable afternoon for the renowned trainer. Mullins expressed his delight with the Thurloe youngster's performance, affirming her importance within the team.
James Stafford added, "Willie sent me a very nice message after the race when he was having winners all over the place – he had seven winners that day. I called her one of his magnificent seven, and I think she set the ball rolling. I got a very nice message saying how thrilled he was, and he wouldn't have done that just for the sake of it."