The Philip Fenton-trained Dunguib heads ten entries for the Grade 2 Red Mills Trial Hurdle at Gowran Park on Saturday.
A brilliant novice hurdler last season, his winning run came to an end at the Cheltenham Festival when he had to settle for third place in the Supreme Novices Hurdle and he has not raced since disappointing in the Punchestown Champion Hurdle last April. However, he faces some very stiff opposition with trainer Willie Mullins fielding three strong candidates in the shape of former Grade One winners, Blackstairmountain and Fiveforthree, while he has also entered the promising Sir Des Champs who made an impressive Irish debut when winning at Navan last month.
The in-form Jessica Harrington yard look set to be represented by Gimli’s Rock who has not been seen since taking a Grade 3 event at Down Royal last November while last year’s winner, Luska Lad, and the Colm Murphy trained Voler La Vedette, who was successful in the Boyne Hurdle at Navan yesterday, add spice to an intriguing contest.
Recent Thyestes Chase hero, Siegemaster, is one of 11 entries for the Red Mills Steeplechase over two and a half miles just half an hour later. Dessie Hughes’ charge defied top weight to win the Thyestes Chase over three miles a couple of weeks ago and is likely to be a leading fancy despite dropping down in distance. However, there are a number of interesting contenders engaged with recent Kinloch Brae Chase winner, Follow The Plan in the line up while Roberto Goldback could represent Jessica Harrington. Willie Mullins can choose from Scotsirish, Quiscover Fontaine and Jayo while the much improved Rubi Light should go well for trainer Robbie Hennessy.
Margaret Fogarty, General Manager at Gowran Park said “We are looking forward to racing for what is one of our best days each year. Red Mills as a local sponsor ensures that we get a great crowd with many people coming to Gowran Park for their only day out racing all year.
Margaret continued, “The Red Mills Day card this year will also include the Ronan Lawlor Memorial Beginners Steeplechase — a fitting tribute to a young jockey who tragically lost his life in an accident this time last year and who spent his last day’s racing at Gowran Park for Red Mills Day 2010. A group of Ronan’s jockey and work rider friends approached us to commemorate his life and Gowran Park offered to sponsor this race in his name — a cup donated by these friends will be presented on the race day.
The first of seven races on the card is at 1.45pm and there is a jackpot pool guarantee of €5,000. The free shuttle service will leave Kilkenny Castle gates on the Parade Plaza one hour before the first race.
