Tag Archive for: Barry Connell

Cheltenham hero Marine skips Punchestown date

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Marine Nationale will bypass next week’s Punchestown Festival and embark on his summer break instead.

The unbeaten six-year-old justified the confidence of trainer Barry Connell with a stunning display at the Cheltenham Festival when winning the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

He was expected to try to extend his unbeaten run in the KPMG Champion Novice Hurdle on Tuesday, but his name was not among the eight confirmations.

“We’ve decided we’re going to let him out now, he’s been on the go for the past 12 months and he didn’t get a summer at grass last year,” said Connell.

“It would have been nice to go to Punchestown, but he’s done a lot. He’s run five times and won five times, so we’ll let him out and look forward to having him for either the Champion Hurdle or possibly a novice chasing campaign which we’ll discuss in the summer.

“His form was boosted at Aintree last week with Inthepocket and Strong Leader coming from the Supreme and Ashroe Diamond from the Royal Bond.

“This time last year he hadn’t had a run and we ended up having a summer campaign which was really unusual, so weighing it all up, we think giving him the break is for the best.”

Looking ahead to next season, Connell added: “I would say the Champion Hurdle route is more likely but he has a lot of schooling done over fences and jumps brilliant, so it is an option.

“He’s only run three times over hurdles and while his jumping was very good at Cheltenham, Michael (O’Sullivan) felt there was room for improvement, he was still hanging in the air a bit which Champion Hurdle horses don’t do. That will come with experience.

“Assuming Constitution Hill goes chasing, there’s probably a vacancy. There’s no Hurricane Fly or Annie Power around in the Champion Hurdle, so that is probably the way we are leaning.

“Good Land (Dublin Festival Grade One winner) will go chasing for sure, though. He ran OK at Cheltenham, if a bit flat, but he’ll be exciting over fences.”

Facile Vega, Diverge and High Definition – all behind Marine Nationale at Cheltenham – are among the eight contenders for the, along with impressive Ballymore winner Impaire Et Passe.

There are seven in the William Hill Champion Chase over two miles with Energumene, Gentleman De Mee, Blue Lord and Chacun Pour Soi all possible for Willie Mullins.

In the Dooley Insurance Champion Novice Chase, Mullins has five of the seven confirmations, which include Sir Gerhard and Appreciate It.

Connell sets sights on Irish National with Espanito Bello

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Espanito Bello has the chance to cap a fine season for trainer Barry Connell in the BoyleSports Irish Grand National on Easter Monday.

While Connell has enjoyed plenty of high-profile victories as an owner, he is in just his third season with a licence, enjoying a halcyon campaign from his operation in Nurney, Kildare.

Marine Nationale and Good Land have both provided the former hedge fund manager with Grade One success this season, while the former gave him his first Cheltenham Festival winner as a member of the training ranks when downing Facile Vega with ease in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

Now Connell is targeting the feature of Fairyhouse’s Easter Festival with Espanito Bello – who is as short as 12-1 with Paddy Power for the three-mile-five-furlong contest following his romp in the recent Leinster National.

“The plan is to run and the only way we wouldn’t run is if the ground dried up too much. But there looks to be rain due tomorrow and a bit more again at the weekend,” said the trainer.

“He’s in good shape and on the form of his run in Naas where he was back to his very best, we’re hoping he will acquit himself really well.

Trainer Barry Connell bids for Irish Grand National success at Fairyhouse on Easter Monday
Trainer Barry Connell bids for Irish Grand National success at Fairyhouse on Easter Monday (Brian Lawless/PA)

“Easter is early this year and he did run in the race once before. That was on good ground and he wasn’t in as good form as he is now.”

The nine-year-old was raised 11lb to a mark of 151 following his seven-and-a-half-length stroll at Naas, but Connell believes the handicapper has been fair in his assessment and his charge heads to Fairyhouse in great shape.

“He’s gone up 11lb, but he was on 145 during his novice season,” explained the handler.

“In his beginners’ (chase) he beat Coko Beach by 18 lengths at Naas and then finished second in a Grade Two at Navan behind Coko Beach having made a mistake at the last. So he was 145 and he was dropped to 140. I suppose he is 6lb higher now than he was in his novice season and you would expect that with a bit of experience and age, so I think the weight allocation is fair.

“He won easily the last day and you can’t argue with the penalty he got. I think Michael (O’Sullivan, jockey) still has five (winners) left on his 5lb claim, so he is still in with a nice weight.

“I know the last few years bottom weights have been favourite, but you do get the likes of Burrows Saint and Our Duke going there and winning it and our guy is going there in great shape physically and mentally, and if he gets his ground I think he will run his race.

“We’ve only been training two and a half seasons and this is the first full season we’ve had. We’ve had three Grade One winners, a Grade Three and a Cheltenham Festival winner – if we don’t train another winner this season it will still have been a great season.”

Marine Nationale possible for Punchestown after ‘fantastic two days’ for Connell

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Barry Connell will travel home to Ireland a happy man after a successful first Cheltenham Festival foray as a trainer.

While Connell has enjoyed plenty of high-profile victories as an owner, he is in just his third season with a licence – and a landmark campaign it has been.

Marine Nationale booked his Supreme Novices’ Hurdle ticket with his Royal Bond win back in December, while Good Land emerged victorious in a Grade One heat at the Dublin Racing Festival, ensuring his participation in the Ballymore at Cheltenham.

Michael O’Sullivan salutes the crowd aboard Marine Nationale
Michael O’Sullivan salutes the crowd aboard Marine Nationale (Mike Egerton/PA)

He had to settle for a distant fourth behind Impaire Et Passe on Wednesday, but Marine Nationale made no mistake on Tuesday as he mowed down favourite Facile Vega in the Supreme, winning by three and quarter lengths with jockey Michael O’Sullivan barely reaching for his whip in victory.

Connell had been ultra-confident in the race build up and could now look towards the Bective Stud Champion Novice Hurdle on April 25 for Marine Nationale.

He said: “He didn’t have a blow yesterday and he’s as bright as a button.

“He’ll have an entry in Punchestown for the two-mile novice and we’ll see how he is, but we’ll be going chasing next season – that’s the plan.

“Hopefully he’s an Arkle horse and Good Land would be one for the Turners or whatever.”

“Overall it’s been a fantastic two days and we had a great night last night.”

Good Land was beaten a total of 11 and a quarter lengths by three Willie Mullins-trained runners, but was in turn nine lengths clear of the fifth.

However, Connell felt perhaps he was not quite on top of his game on the big day, with a full examination now likely to take place later in the week.

He added: “It was a good run in a really competitive race. The first four pulled well clear.

Impaire Et Passe had Good Land well beaten in fourth
Impaire Et Passe had Good Land well beaten in fourth (Tim Goode/PA)

“Michael said he felt a little flat and he spent a little too much time in the air over his obstacles. He got from A to B, but he didn’t really hurdle effectively.

“We’ll get him checked out later in the week and see how he is as he took a much bigger blow than the horse yesterday, but he still ran a good race and congratulations to the winner.

“He was working brilliantly. Maybe he didn’t travel over well, I don’t know, or maybe there’s nothing wrong with him. I’ll get him checked and gets his bloods checked anyway.

“I’d say he’ll probably go out to the paddock for the summer now and go chasing next year.”

Marine Nationale sinks Facile Vega in Supreme Novices’

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Michael O’Sullivan produced an ice-cool ride aboard Marine Nationale to register a famous victory for trainer Barry Connell in the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

O’Sullivan was still in college when Constitution Hill was winning the Festival opener 12 months ago, while his only previous taste of the Prestbury Park showpiece was an uneventful spin on an outsider in the Kim Muir in 2022.

The young Irishman pounced late to secure the Royal Bond earlier in the season and followed a similar script here, riding the unbeaten six-year-old with ultimate confidence.

As 9-4 favourite Facile Vega forced his way to the front in the hands of Paul Townend two out and then lengthened for home, O’Sullivan was motionless aboard Marine Nationale, with a target firmly locked on Facile Vega’s tail.

Jumping the last Marine Nationale still had a length to find, but once clearing the final obstacle the result was a formality and O’Sullivan simply had to push the button aboard the 9-2 shot as he sprinted clear for a three-and-a-quarter-length success.

It was also a huge moment in the fledgling training career of owner-trainer Connell, whose colours have been seen in the Cheltenham winner’s enclosure before but for the first time with the former amateur rider’s name on the training licence.

O’Sullivan said: “They didn’t go a great gallop, but that suited me because my horse is quick.

“I was in a slightly wider position that I would have liked, but I was happy with the room because he doesn’t have a lot of experience.

Marine Nationale and jockey Michael O’Sullivan make their way back
Marine Nationale and jockey Michael O’Sullivan make their way back (Tin Goode/PA)

“I was alongside Facile Vega and travelling very well. At the bottom of the hill I was just saving him, Paul had kicked on Facile but I was happy enough that he’d come back to me.

“He had a good look at the last, we went and popped it and he actually won very snuggly in the end, I never got serious on him at all, I gave him a few flicks but that was it.

“We know he’s going to be better on better ground, it was an unbelievable performance, he’s not even having a blow.

“The ground wasn’t as bad as it was when he won the Royal Bond at Fairyhouse, I was just hoping it allowed him to show his true ability.”

He added: “His jumping will get better. He didn’t really put a foot wrong but he wasn’t as quick through the air as you’d like for a two-miler, but I think on better ground he would be, he’s an intelligent horse in general and I’m so lucky to be involved in him.

“Barry being confident didn’t put pressure on me, but I suppose the punters took it into account and that brings a small bit of pressure but I can only do what I can do. Barry put his neck out and he was right.

“I’ve been dreaming of this day since I was a kid. It’s a bit surreal and it won’t sink in yet, this year has been so good it’s hard to appreciate it, I don’t think it can be topped but I’m just enjoying every minute of it.”

Barry Connell and Michael O'Sullivan celebrate with Marine Nationale
Barry Connell and Michael O’Sullivan celebrate with Marine Nationale (Mike Egerton/PA)

A jubilant Connell said: “It’s the best feeling of all time.

“I put a lot of pressure on myself saying he was the best horse in the race, but I genuinely felt he’s the best horse I’ve ever had.

“I came over on the boat and I told every Irish person on there to back the two horses (Marine Nationale and Good Land (who runs on Wednesday). I said they were the best two novices in Ireland, so at least I’m off the hook partially after today! I’d have had to go back in disguise if we’d got beat.

“This horse is unlike any horse I’ve had before as the previous Grade One horses were mainly stayers. This is a quick horse who is probably a Group One horse on the Flat – and we might get around to that at some stage.

“Today was his day. He’s had five runs and won all five runs, his jockey is a superstar and my staff are the best staff anywhere in the world.

“We’re absolutely blessed to have found the next superstar of the weighing room in Michael O’Sullivan, you mark his name. Have you ever seen a cooler ride in Cheltenham? Unbelievable. If you gave me any jockey riding I wouldn’t swap him.”

He went on: “I said beforehand if you want to win a Grade One in Cheltenham you need a horse with five attributes – you need a quick horse who can hold their position, you want to be a very good jumper, you want a brilliant temperament and guts and stamina to be able to stay up the hill.

“I rode into the winner’s enclosure twice here as a rider at the November meeting, but it pales into insignificance compared to doing it as an owner and a trainer – this is unreal.

“I enjoy of the process of getting out of the car in the morning and just being with the horses, being out on the gallops and talking to the staff. The whole process really energises me.

“I hope we’re only beginning the journey now.”

Connell envisages Marine Nationale embarking on a career over fences next season.

He said: “This lad will probably come back for the Arkle next year – unless Constitution Hill keels over between now and then!

“My initial thoughts at this point of time would be Arkle, but we’ll see. He’ll have an entry in Punchestown and then will be out in the field. Today is for enjoying.”

In contrast, Willie Mullins struggled to hide his disappointment with the defeat of Facile Vega.

“I think a good horse won the race, a very good horse won the race,” he said to Racing TV.

“What more can you say. Congratulations to Barry Connell and Mikey O’Sullivan. I don’t see why he would need to go up in trip – he looked the fastest horse in the race anyway. He had everything dead to one mile… anyway, I’m not going to say any more about it.”

Facile Vega jumps the last
Facile Vega jumps the last (Mike Egerton/PA)

Townend reflected: “It probably wasn’t run at the fastest pace and he settled well and jumped fine.

“He probably jumped his way in there down the hill, but I got all the way into the straight without committing him and Michael was very keen on the winner – he probably gave him a very good ride for a young rider.

“It was disappointing. The mistake at the last didn’t help, but I’d say we were getting the worse of it anyway.”

Espanito Bello tees Connell and O’Sullivan up perfectly for Cheltenham

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Espanito Bello was produced to perfection by Michael O’Sullivan to win the Bar One Racing Leinster National Handicap Chase in easy fashion at Naas.

Ahead of a big week for owner-trainer Barry Connell and his young jockey, the nine-year-old course specialist was sent off 7-2 for the afternoon’s feature handicap.

Travelling smoothly tracking the pace throughout he moved effortlessly into contention as the field rounded the final bend and O’Sullivan was still hanging on to plenty of horse as he hit the front jumping the last.

Espanito Bello simply had to be kept up to his work in the closing stages as he coasted to a seven-and-a-half-length victory and picked up the €59,000 first prize.

“That’s what he was here two years ago when he beat Coko Beach the length of the straight and it’s taken us a little while to get back to that,” said Connell.

“He loves the course and that’s his fourth win here. He won a bumper, a hurdle, a beginners chase and now a hundred grand handicap.

“He’s in the Irish National, but we would only run him if the ground came up soft. I ran him in it once before, but he wasn’t right and the ground was too quick.

“He’s going to go up a bit for that and is entitled to step back into Graded company at some stage as well.

“That’s a fantastic pot to win today and I’m thrilled.

“He finished fifth in the Thyestes the last day which was a good run considering it was his first run in a chase for over a year. He got a lot of confidence from that and travelled way sweeter today. He was a winner everywhere.”

Connell and O’Sullivan team up with leading Cheltenham contenders Marine Nationale in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle on Tuesday and Good Land the following day in the Ballymore.

Michael O’Sullivan celebrates with Marine Nationale
Michael O’Sullivan celebrates with Marine Nationale (Brian Lawless/PA)

Connell added: “They are over there and were ridden out this morning. They couldn’t be in better form and everything is 100 per cent.”

When asked about ground conditions he added: “They are having a drying day over there today. The ground doesn’t matter to Good Land, but the other fella wouldn’t want it too soft.

“If it’s soft it will be English soft and it won’t be too bad.”

Nick Rockett had won a bumper in good style at Thurles last month and wasted little time opening his account over hurdles in the opening Bar One Racing “Guaranteed Multiples All Shops” Maiden Hurdle.

Although his jumping left little to be desired in stages, the 11-8 favourite proved far too good for the opposition in the hands of Paul Townend.

Nick Rockett wins at Naas (PA)
Nick Rockett wins at Naas (PA)

“His schooling yesterday left a bit to be desired and I think Paul was relieved to get around let alone win but there is definitely plenty of room for improvement,” said assistant trainer Patrick Mullins.

“It’s great for Stewart (Andrew, owner) who flew over from Leeds today. His wife Sadie passed away recently and this was her horse so he’s obviously delighted that he’s won.

“He looks a horse that could go on and be a nice novice for the spring and could even stay in for nice ground over the summer.

“He won a point to point and will jump fences in time.”

Thomas Gibney’s Wee Charlie (4-1) had enough in hand to hold on in the closing stages of the Bar One Racing “Price Boosts All 28 Favourites At Cheltenham” Handicap Hurdle, while Stuart Crawford’s Carnfunnock (7-2) showed plenty of fight to reel in Lucky Max in a mighty finish to the Bar One Racing “Mobile Betting At Cheltenham” Handicap Hurdle.

“The ground probably blunted his speed a bit,” said winning rider JJ Slevin.

“It was a good performance and we thought he was reasonably well treated off a mark of 116. It was nice to get his head in front.

“He tried hard and his jumping is coming on as he did jump a bit big. He got a bit more cover today and it was a smoother run through.”

In the concluding bumper there was no joy for odds-on favourite Fancy Girl as John Gleeson tuned up for his Champion Bumper ride aboard A Dream To Share by steering John Queally’s Gaillimh A Run (11-4) to victory.

Connell readying novice pair for Cheltenham mission

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Barry Connell has seen his yellow and blue silks carried to Cheltenham Festival glory before but should either Marine Nationale or Good Land win in the Cotswolds next month it will be extra special.

Martello Tower was trained by Mags Mullins when winning the Albert Bartlett in 2015, while Pedrobob was prepared by Tony Mullins to win the County Hurdle in 2007.

Now, of course, Connell is training his horses himself – and making great waves whilst doing it.

He has had two runners in Grade One races this season and won them both. Marine Nationale overcame a mistake at the last to win the Royal Bond at Fairyhouse, while Good Land oozed class in winning the Nathaniel Lacy at the Dublin Racing Festival.

Both horses are now leading contenders to strike Festival gold, with Marine Nationale in line for the curtain-raising Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and Good Land bound for the Ballymore.

“They are both good. We have one last piece of work to do with them before they go but we couldn’t be happier with them,” said Connell.

Good Land was impressive at Leopardstown
Good Land was impressive at Leopardstown (Donall Farmer/PA)

“They are both on course, unless something untoward happens. It’s three weeks from now and won’t be long coming in. We’re very happy with them. Once we get them on the ferry all the hard work is done.

“They have the ability to go over there and win, the two of them. They are both Grade One winners, we are not going over there winging it with something that has won a maiden hurdle. The two of them are entitled to be there on merit.

“It’s a pleasure to be travelling with two fantastic horses like that and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Good Land out to shake up established order in Leopardstown opener

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Owner-trainer Barry Connell considers Good Land a worthy favourite for the Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors “50,000 Cheltenham Bonus For Stable Staff” Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown on Saturday.

The two-mile-six-furlong contest is the first of eight Grade Ones scheduled to take place across a mouthwatering two days at this year’s Dublin Racing Festival – and while Willie Mullins looks set dominate, it is Connell’s charge who is poised to head the market for the curtain-raiser.

Wexford bumper winner Good Land made it no further than the first flight on his hurdling debut at Fairyhouse, but proved his class with an impressive victory at Leopardstown over the Christmas period.

He steps up in distance and class this weekend, but Connell is confident he will prove hard to beat.

He said: “He’s in good order and worked well during the week. All is good with him.

“They’re putting plenty of water on the track so the ground should be fine and the step up in trip won’t be an issue.

“He doesn’t have to improve too much. After his performance the last day over the course, he probably deserves to be favourite.

“I think he’s come on since Christmas and we’re hoping for a big run.”

Mullins fires a twin assault at a prize he has won seven times in the last 10 years, with stable jockey Paul Townend preferring Tramore winner Quais De Paris to Grangeclare West, who needs to bounce back from a disappointing effort at Naas earlier in the month under the trainer’s nephew, Danny.

“Grangeclare West was very impressive when he won and Quais De Paris was probably less impressive, but it’s a tight track in Tramore and I brought him down for the ground,” said Mullins.

“He’s a big horse who will appreciate a longer trip and he’ll improve an awful lot. The bare evidence of that form probably wouldn’t be good enough, but we’ve brought plenty of horses down to Tramore and on to Leopardstown and Cheltenham and it’s worked.”

Paul Nolan claimed this race in 2020 with Latest Exhibition and has high hopes for Sandor Clegane, who was runner-up to Facile Vega in a bumper at this meeting 12 months ago and opened his account over hurdles with a 12-length verdict at Punchestown in November.

Nolan said: “He’s only had two runs over hurdles, he was placed in his first run and then improved a lot from that to win at Punchestown.

Sandor Clegane after winning at Punchestown
Sandor Clegane after winning at Punchestown (Alan Magee/PA)

“It is a big step up now again and hopefully he can run with credit. He seems in good form and we hope for the best.

“It’s a big step up in class and it looks a very hot race – all nine have declared and you can make a case for all nine of them in it.

“This fella is still a young horse and he’s a big scopey individual and we hope he can stay in one piece. He is full of potential and we hope he can run with credit on Saturday.”

Deep Cave recorded a narrow win at Leopardstown’s Christmas Festival and represents the formidable combination of Henry de Bromhead and Rachael Blackmore.

Deep Cave and Rachael Blackmore in the clear
Deep Cave and Rachael Blackmore in the clear (Niall Carson/PA)

“I thought he won really nicely at Leopardstown over Christmas. He’s only a young horse, but he’s progressed with every run,” said de Bromhead.

“He’s only a five-year-old, but he’s a really nice horse and one we’re looking forward to running.”

British hopes are carried by Weveallbeencaught, who had subsequent Cheltenham winner Rock My Way in behind when scoring at Prestbury Park on New Year’s Day.

The six-year-old is trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies and will ridden by his son Sam, who said: “His form has worked out nicely after Saturday, so fingers crossed.

“It is a lot hotter out there (Ireland), mind. The owners wanted to have a go, so we are heading to Leopardstown.”

Gordon Elliott’s trio of American Mike, Absolute Notions and Cool Survivor complete the field, with the first named horse looking to bounce back from an odds-on defeat in the Monksfield Novice Hurdle at Navan in November.

“He wasn’t right the last day – he scoped dirty after the race,” said Elliott.

“But he is in good form now and we are running him and we’re hoping for a better run the next day.”

Good Land hunting Grade One gold at Leopardstown

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Barry Connell’s Good Land is set for a Grade One return to Leopardstown following his taking maiden victory at the track last month.

The seven-year-old open his account over obstacles by an easy eight lengths in late December, after unseating his rider at the first flight on his hurdling debut at Fairyhouse.

Good Land holds an entry for the Grade One Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors Novice Hurdle on February 4, where a good performance could see him go on to tackle the Ballymore at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

Connell said: “He’s entered in the Nathaniel Lacey, the two-mile-six (furlong) Grade One in Leopardstown. That’s where he goes, he’s come out of his race very well at Leopardstown at Christmas.

Good Land at Leopardstown
Good Land at Leopardstown (Niall Carson/PA)

“That was his first real run over hurdles so we’re anticipating something from him. He’s a course winner so we’re hoping he can run a massive race.

“If he does that then he’ll go to Cheltenham, where he has an entry in the Ballymore.”

Good Land’s Leopardstown win saw him defeat Willie Mullins’ Embassy Gardens, form that was reinforced when the latter horse streaked home to take a Thurles novice hurdle by 35 lengths last weekend.

“Embassy Gardens won very well at Thurles. He made a mistake at Leopardstown and that probably cost him second – instead of finishing fourth he might have been second,” Connell said.

“It is nice to see a boost to the form, we’re happy with our horse and he goes back there having won recently over the course. He’s training well and we’re expecting a good run.”

Connell also has Cheltenham in mind for Royal Bond winner Marine Nationale, who was last seen landing the Grade One novice hurdle by a head from Irish Point.

Marine Nationale during the Royal Bond
Marine Nationale during the Royal Bond (Brian Lawless/PA)

He too has seen his stock rise thanks to the performances of former rivals, with Irish Point going on to finish second in the Lawlor’s Of Naas Novice Hurdle – beaten only by the fourth-placed horse in the Royal Bond, Champ Kiely.

Marine Nationale has enjoyed a short break since his Fairyhouse victory, but the six-year-old is back in action and will be aimed directly at the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

“He’s good, he’s back in full training. We gave him a break for about a month because he had been on the go for the whole summer,” said Connell.

“He didn’t get a summer break like most of the novices did, so he’s come back fresh and well. The plan is to go to the Supreme, he doesn’t have an entry in any of the other novice races.

“That’s where he’ll head, we’re happy with him and he’s back in full training. We’ll probably get a racecourse gallop into to him somewhere, probably a week before he goes and that would be his preparation sorted.”

Michael O’Sullivan and Marine Nationale
Michael O’Sullivan and Marine Nationale (Brian Lawless/PA)

Of the subsequent form boost, the trainer added: “The Grade One form worked out well in the Lawlor’s Of Naas – the horses who were second and fourth where first and second there.

“It’s always good to see the collateral form working out. We’re very happy with him and we think the better ground, which hopefully we will get a Cheltenham, will be in his favour.

“The ground had gone soft at Fairyhouse and that wouldn’t have suited him but nevertheless, he still managed to win. I’d say he’ll be even better on spring ground.”

Connell also owns and trains Enniskerry, victor in the Kilbegnet Novice Chase back in September before pulling up in the Grade One Drinmore.

The ground had become unsuitably testing on the latter occasion and the gelding will now wait for quicker conditions before he returns, with the Galway Plate the ultimate target come summer.

Enniskerry at Galway
Enniskerry at Galway (Niall Carson/PA)

“Enniskerry’s last run was in the Drinmore, the ground had become heavy and that was totally unsuitable,” said Connell.

“He was pulled up and he’s on a break now. The plan is to train him for the Galway Plate in the summer.

“He’s already a winner around Galway, so we know he goes around the track. He won a beginners chase there at the Festival, he’ll come back in the late spring and that’ll be his main target.”

Connell backing Bello for bold Thyestes showing

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Owner-trainer Barry Connell believes “all the boxes are ticked” for Espanito Bello ahead of his bid for glory in the Goffs Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park.

The nine-year-old has mixed it between fences and hurdles over the past couple of years, but it is over the larger obstacles where he has shown his best form – notably finishing second to Coko Beach in a Grade Two novice chase in 2021 before finishing down the field in the Irish Grand National.

Last time out he was fifth in a two-mile-six-furlong hurdle race, meaning Thursday’s contest represents a return to fences as well as a step back up in trip to three miles and a furlong.

Espanito Bello is likely to be suited by the soft going at Gowran and with confidence seemingly high, he has attracted significant support ahead of Thursday’s €100,000 feature.

“He’s in good form. He had a very good novice season and was second in a Grade Two, but he’s been lightly raced since so he’s come down the handicap ratings,” said Connell.

“He’s in good form and we expect a big run from him on Thursday.

“Soft ground is what he wants, he needs heavy ground, even. He has a nice weight and I think all of the boxes are ticked there, so we’re looking forward to a big run.”

Owner-trainer-breeder Robert Murphy has a leading contender in Darrens Hope – a nine-year-old last seen landing the Grade Two Florida Pearl Novice Chase by a head from Minella Crooner.

With that victory registered in November, Murphy’s mare has enjoyed a freshening-up period ahead of her Thyestes bid off a weight of 10st 6lb, with Danny Mullins retaining the ride.

Darrens Hope after winning the Florida Pearl
Darrens Hope after winning the Florida Pearl (Brian Lawless/PA)

“She’s good, we jumped her on Tuesday and she jumped grand. She’s in good form, I can say that,” said Murphy.

“She’s had a good gap, we don’t run her too often because she’s getting on a small bit. We wouldn’t want to run her too often and she needed her break, but she’s grand now.

“She’s back up to three miles and the soft ground should suit her as well.

“We’ve a good jockey on board, we’d like to see her get her nose in front and we’re hopeful.”

Gordon Elliott’s nine-strong team includes two of the market principals in Pencilfulloflead and Escaria Ten – the latter a good quality stayer owned by the McNeill Family.

Escaria Ten during the Grand National
Escaria Ten during the Grand National (Mike Egerton/PA)

The nine-year-old finished eighth in last year’s Thyestes Chase on what was his seasonal reappearance before missing out in the Bobbyjo Chase by just a nose, after which he came home ninth in the Grand National at Aintree.

He got the current campaign under way in a Listed Thurles Chase on December 1 and was far from disgraced in finishing a two-length second to Joseph O’Brien’s Darasso.

The Welsh Grand National was vetoed in favour of another Thyestes tilt, despite the fact Escaria Ten will carry top weight of 11st 12lb in the hands of Adrian Heskin.

“He hopefully has a nice chance, he’s had his prep race this year,” said Iain Turner, racing manager to the owners.

“He ran well at Thurles and everything has gone fine, it’s just going to be very difficult carrying top weight. It’s not often you wish Willie (Mullins) had one in the race, but I really wish he had Franco De Port in there as it would have kept the weights down 6lb!

“He goes there with a good chance. It will be difficult carrying that weight but there’s not much we can do about it.

“With him the softer the ground, the better. Last year we went for his first run of the season and he needed it, he’s had his run this time and then it was a choice between the Welsh National and the Thyestes. We’ve made the decision and fingers crossed it all goes well.

“Max (McNeill, owner) is in the final few days of his winter holiday and is flying straight to Ireland from sunnier climes for his first ever trip to Gowran, let’s hope it isn’t an unwarranted extension to his holiday!”

Elliott Is also represented by Braeside, Coko Beach, Defi Bleu, Dunboyne, Fakiera, Frontal Assault and Punitive.

Willie Mullins could saddle up to five runners, with Captain Kangaroo, Carefully Selected, Egality Mans all guaranteed a run in the top 18, while Rambranlt’jac and Stones And Roses are on the reserve list.

Good Land pencilled for Grade One mission next month

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Barry Connell’s Good Land has a Grade One return to Leopardstown in store after his taking victory at the track last week.

The lightly-raced seven-year-old had some good bumper form to his name when making his hurdles debut at Fairyhouse in early December, but a first-fence mistake cut that run short as he parted ways with rider Michael O’Sullivan.

At Leopardstown on Thursday he returned to contest the Pigsback.com Maiden Hurdle, a race he dominated when making all of the running and going on to win by an unchallenged eight lengths on the line.

Connell now has a step up in calibre in mind for the Blue Bresil gelding, with the Grade One Nathaniel Lacy Solicitors Novice Hurdle on the agenda at the Dublin Racing Festival in early February.

“We were delighted with him, we knew he was a smart horse,” the owner-trainer said.

Good Land in action at Leopardstown
Good Land in action at Leopardstown (Niall Carson/PA)

“He won his bumper in Wexford very well and the form of that race had worked out, there were a number of winners that came out of that race.

“In that Fairyhouse run he just landed steeply after one hurdle, that was it. He was basically a non-runner in that race.

“His jumping is good and I don’t think he missed a beat in Leopardstown, he might have got in tight to one but was very clever and the rest were spot on.

“He’d been schooling well at home so we were expecting him to run a big race, but when you go to Leopardstown for a maiden run at Christmas with all the big yards involved – it takes a pretty good horse to win there.

“The manner in which he won was very impressive. I think he’s entitled to take his shot now at the Dublin Racing Festival and that’s where we’ll probably go next.

“The plan is to go for the two-mile six (furlong) race at the Dublin Racing Festival, the Grade One.”