Leopardstown's Highlight: The Most Prestigious Race of the Day
26th - 29th December 2023
The race at Leopardstown was exactly the show so many needed. Attention was centered on a chaser poised for a Grade 1 triumph, potentially upsetting the favorite.
Six-year-olds had historically performed well in this Grade 1 Leopardstown's Highlight: The Most Prestigious Race of the Daynovice chase, and this trend might have continued with Corbetts Cross, the likely favorite, in contention. Corbetts Cross, a promising novice hurdler the previous season, had recently won at Fairyhouse, indicating he was still refining his craft over fences.
A Journey Across Doncaster, Leopardstown, Kelso, Limerick, and Southwell
29th December 2023
December 29 began with racing at Doncaster (11.55-3.20 pm) in the previous year, then moved to the day's highlight at Leopardstown (12.00-3.25), followed by Kelso (12.10-3.32) and Limerick (12.20-3.42), and concluded with the Southwell meeting (4.00-7.30).
Favori De Champdou: A Potent Challenger in Leopardstown's Race
However, Gordon Elliott's eight-year-old Favori De Champdou presented a substantial challenge. Despite a career marked by breaks, he had shown a remarkable aptitude for chasing, particularly with his dominant 14-length victory in the Florida Pearl Novice Chase at Punchestown. With potential for further improvement, he was a strong candidate for his first Grade 1 victory.
Waterford Whispers: JP McManus' Hopeful Entry in Leopardstown
Waterford Whispers stood out as the only entry from JP McManus, who had several options for this race. While he might have excelled over longer distances in the future, that day's 2m 4f, under suitable conditions, looked ideal for his attempt at a hat trick.
Hispanic Moon: A Rising Star Aiming for Success in Ireland
A Grade 3 winner in France, Hispanic Moon had made an impressive Irish debut, winning at 20-1 in a Listed race at Punchestown, beating Saylavee. Despite Saylavee having factors in her favor for a potential reversal, Hispanic Moon had finished her last race confidently and seemed a shrewd acquisition. She could have gone 2-2 for her new stable.