Unbeatable Brighterdaysahead Shines in Navan with Exceptional Display
The focal point of the Listed Apple's Jade Mares Novice Hurdle at Navan was undeniably the undefeated Brighterdaysahead, a remarkable mare sired by Kapgarde and trained by the renowned Gordon Elliott.
With a faultless record of four consecutive triumphs leading up to this event, she embarked on a notable step up in distance, tackling the challenging 2m5f course. Her most recent victory came in November whenshe showcased her talent by conquering the Grade 3 company at Down Royal. Returning to the racing scene with vigour, she was expertly guided by the skilled jockey, Jack Kennedy.
Positioned in third place among a field of six runners, trailing just behind Butty O Brien and Mel Monroe, she effortlessly surged ahead during the crucial stage of the race, taking the lead with two hurdles remaining. Displaying a captivating combination of grace and power, she glided over the final obstacle and widened her lead by an astonishing 12 lengths, fully justifying her position as the heavily favoured 1/3 contender.
Pastorale (16/1) secured second place, although her efforts failed to challenge the dominant force that was Brighterdaysahead. Reflecting on the mare's exceptional performance, Elliott expressed his admiration, stating, "She's an exceptional mare, a true gem. I rarely bestow such praise upon my horses, but she truly deserves it. Jack noted that he couldn't keep up with her anymore, and she effortlessly controlled the race from the front. There's even more potential waiting to be unlocked as we encountered minor setbacks that disrupted her training routine. With an impressive pedigree, her future lies in the world of chasing. Presently, it seems she doesn't require an excessively long distance to showcase her abilities.
Despite her size, she possesses an electrifying burst of speed. Regrettably, due to unforeseen circumstances, we had limited options for her next race, prompting us to enter her in this event rather than venturing to England." Following her resounding victory, Brighterdaysahead's odds for the Mares' Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham were revised by Paddy Power from 10/3 to 11/4.