DailySun
BRIGHTERDAYSAHEAD delivered a remarkable triumph over Champion Hurdle titleholder State Man in a dazzling Neville Hotels Hurdle, leaving many bettors discontented with the ‘poor’ tactics displayed at the onset.
It seemed Paul Townend was caught off guard as Sam Ewing on the victorious horse, along with Danny Gilligan on the leading horse King Of Kingsfield, surged forward without warning.
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This left the other six contenders, including State Man, far behind from the very beginning.
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That gap proved to be unbridgeable, with Gordon Elliott’s outstanding mare finishing an astonishing 30 lengths ahead of 66-1 long shot Winter Fog.
State Man, the 4-9 favorite, appeared sluggish and failed to find his stride.
Brighterdaysahead, who had previously triumphed over State Man in the Morgiana, solidified that performance with overwhelming dominance after starting at 5-2.
This result was particularly sobering for Patrick Mullins, who had previously expressed confidence in his father’s horse.
Before the Grade 1 at Leopardstown, Patrick commented: “Brighterdaysahead is a fantastic mare, even better than I initially anticipated, with great credit to Gordon and Jack (Kennedy) for their unwavering support of her.”
“However, I’m fully supporting State Man here.”
“No matter the cost for Santa, whatever the holiday dinner expenditure, get it all back on State Man.”
“Coming back to Leopardstown with a prior run, I believe he’ll bounce back to the top.”
Reflecting on the strategy employed by the Elliott team at the start, one punter remarked: “Brighterdaysahead is an incredible mare, but why did Mullins let them obtain such a lead?”
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Another noted: “Once they shot out 10-15 lengths ahead, the outcome was virtually sealed unless she fell.”
“It’s evident State Man isn’t the same horse he once was, but did Townend genuinely believe Brighterdaysahead would tire, given her serious speed?”
“Poor tactics.”
Brighterdaysahead’s odds tumbled to as low as 7-2 from 20-1 for the Champion Hurdle, while the revitalized Constitution Hill became the 4-7 favorite.
However, much to the disappointment of many, Elliott later declared they plan to stick with their strategy of competing in the Mares Hurdle.
Initially, betting markets were in turmoil as Paddy Power offered odds of 11-4 following Elliott’s comments, but they swiftly adjusted to 7-4.
Brighterdaysahead may encounter Lossiemouth in the Mares, although Mullins recently indicated they might also target the Champion Hurdle for a rematch against Constitution Hill.
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