Brighterdaysahead sees off champion State Man in Morgiana battle
The mare, who is trained by Gordon Elliott and owned by Gigginstown House Stud, had been defeated only once prior to lining up as a 9-4 chance for the Grade One under Jack Kennedy.
Willie Mullins’ ever-reliable State Man, who was bidding for this third success in the race, was the 4-9 favourite under Paul Townend and was largely thought to have only the sole mare in the field to beat to take the treble in the absence of Lossiemouth.
Brighterdaysahead immediately put her hand up as a contender when taking up the running and having led the way throughout, she was joined by State Man on the run to the final flight.
State Man briefly hit the front but she was not discouraged, however, and put her head down to accelerate again and prevail by three quarters of a length on the line with the third-placed Winter Fog a further 13 lengths behind.
The winner is now a 4-1 chance from 14-1 for the Champion Hurdle with Betfair, in what has been a tumultuous week for ante-post punters.
Kennedy said: “She is hopefully (a Champion Hurdle horse), and she had to do it the hard way there as well today.
“To be honest, I think she hated it out in front.
“She did all the donkey work and she was very tough. State Man came and laid down his challenge, and she didn’t lie down to him so that was great.
“I had an idea they were going to try and keep it steady, so I just had to go and make the running on her. It didn’t suit her, but it worked out.
“We’ll see what the lads say what the plan is. She would have had to do that today anyway (to go for the Champion Hurdle) and thankfully she did.
“She’s improving away the whole time. I think she will have learned plenty today as well and it might make her kind of grow up a bit more, having to go and do it.”
Elliott was pleased with his runner and echoed Kennedy’s sentiments in saying that she did not enjoy making the running: “I know she had race fitness, but I thought it was a good performance,” he said.
“Everything went wrong for her because she was on her own in front. She would be better with a lead.”
Elliott went on: “We knew two miles would be a bit short for her, but she had race fitness and we had to make use of it. She was idling in front and wasn’t doing a stroke so you would have to be happy.
“She is having a good blow so there is plenty of improvement in her. She’s a good mare.
“The Mares’ Hurdle is probably the race made for her, but we’ll see what happens.
“Leopardstown could be a bit sharp for her, but we’ll have a chat with Michael and Eddie (O’Leary, owners) and see what they would like to do.”
Mullins was happy to give Brighterdaysahead the credit she was due and added: “She’s a good mare and I never mind being beaten by a good horse.
“I don’t think the last hurdle made the difference. He got to the front and she outbattled him.”