Excitement builds for the unmissable RED MILLS Raceday at Gowran Park
Saint Sam is looking to make it back-to-back victories in the RED MILLS Chase at Gowran Park Photo: ©INPHO/Lorraine O’Sullivan
Gowran Park Racecourse is set to come alive on Saturday for the highly anticipated RED MILLS Raceday.
Saint Sam bids to make it back-to-back victories in the RED MILLS Chase, after providing local legend and champion trainer, Willie Mullins, with a seventh success in the Grade 2 contest over two and a half miles 12 months ago.
Edward Ware’s admirable eight-year-old, who has 11 career triumphs, nine of which have come under Mullins’ stewardship, is part of a high-class septet in contention at the entry stage, with Blue Lord, Blood Destiny and Classic Getaway also in the mix to be on a Closutton lorry.
Journey With Me, trained by Henry de Bromhead for Robcour, is the highest rated horse in the field at 157. Robcour could be represented too by Fil Dor, the 2023 RED MILLS Hurdle victor trained by Gordon Elliott, while Galway Plate hero Pinkerton is a potential contestant for Elliott’s fellow Meath trainer, Noel Meade.
There is quality in abundance also in the Grade 3 RED MILLS Hurdle, where Kitzbuhel is an intriguing entry ahead of a potential tilt at Cheltenham glory. Marie Donnelly’s son of Cokoriko made a triumphant Irish debut at Punchestown in December, after being acquired by Mullins for his long-standing owner, and is among a trio of Closutton entrants.
Dual Cheltenham winner, Sir Gerhard is one of those, while there would be significant interest in the appearance of Histoire De, not seen on a racecourse since winning a four-year-old hurdle in Auteuil in September 2021 by 20 lengths and now owned by JP McManus.
Fils D’oudairies and Beacon Edge are the Elliott entries, with Brilliant Question, trained by Karl Heffernan, Break My Soul, bought out of the Nicky Henderson yard by Ian Donoghue less than three weeks ago, Cian Collins’ Effernock Fizz and Queenie St Clair, who would be making the short journey from Dusty Sheehy’s yard in Graiguenamanagh, completing the list.
To make travel easy, a return bus service from Kilkenny Castle to Gowran Park is available for just €10. Tickets for the bus can be purchased at the pick-up point on the day.
