Spotlight on Brighterdaysahead at Down Royal This Friday

This Friday, all attention will be on Brighterdaysahead as she launches her season in the Bottlegreen Hurdle at Down Royal. Trained by Gordon Elliott and owned by Gigginstown House Stud, this talented mare boasts an impressive record from her bumper and novice hurdling days.

After remaining unbeaten in National Hunt Flat races, Brighterdaysahead entered the novice hurdling circuit last season, securing four victories in five races. Her only defeat came during the prestigious Cheltenham Festival in the Ryanair Mares' Novice Hurdle, where she finished just behind Golden Ace. However, she bounced back triumphantly in the Grade One Mersey Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree.

While there were discussions about pursuing a novice chasing campaign, connections ultimately decided to focus on the open hurdling division. "She’s been in great form, and we’re ready to begin," said Eddie O’Leary of Gigginstown. "Our aim is to take it one step at a time and hope for good luck."

Brighterdaysahead will face stiff competition, including stablemate King Of Kingsfield and Willie Mullins’ Daddy Long Legs. Additional challengers include Andrew Slattery's Smooth Tom, Michael Millar's Breagagh, and Peter Fahey's Miss Fourie.

Also featured on the same card is the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Feathard Lady Mares Novice Hurdle, showcasing runners from Elliott, including Speculatrix, and Henry de Bromhead's Mystical Goddess.