The Yellow Clay extended his unbeaten record for the 2024 season with a dominant victory in the Lawlor’s of Naas Novice Hurdle, maintaining his impressive form. Gordon Elliott’s six-year-old, who shone in bumper races last season, showed his class once again, following a successful start to his hurdling career at Down Royal, and Grade Three and Grade Two wins at Navan.
The horse, a strong 11-4 favorite, made a seamless transition to Grade One level with Sam Ewing in the saddle. After a strong start, The Yellow Clay raced in third for most of the two-and-a-half-mile contest, tracking fellow Elliott runner Wingmen, who set a fast pace. As the race entered its final stages, The Yellow Clay joined Wingmen at the top of the home straight.
Traveling effortlessly, he quickly surged ahead, clearing the second-last hurdle with ease before galloping away from the field, securing an eight-length victory. Supersundae, trained by Willie Mullins, finished second, holding off Wingmen for the runner-up spot.
The race, however, was disappointing for Jasmin De Vaux, the previous season’s Champion Bumper winner. Despite an impressive debut over hurdles at Navan, the 11-8 favorite struggled in the competitive field and finished a well-beaten fourth.
Elliott reflected positively on the victory, praising the horse’s continued improvement and ability to win. “He just knows how to win and is improving the whole time,” said Elliott, adding that he had been initially concerned about the ground conditions. “He travelled really well today and probably got there too soon. We’ll likely go straight to Cheltenham now,” he confirmed.
Ile Atlantique Dominates in Racing Post Novice Chase
Ile Atlantique looks set for a bright future over fences after a strong performance in the Racing Post Novice Chase, under the guidance of Paul Townend. The seven-year-old, trained by Willie Mullins, had previously been placed in Grade One races over hurdles and was the 13-8 favorite for this Grade Two contest.
Ile Atlantique dominated the two-mile race, taking control in the back straight and jumping efficiently throughout. He crossed the line five lengths ahead of Firefox, with 11-10 favorite Inthepocket finishing third. Mullins was pleased with the horse’s performance, noting that his improved maturity and strong jumping played a crucial role. “Fences might just be the making of him,” he said.
Fun Fun Fun Shines in Mares Beginners Chase
Willie Mullins’ stable enjoyed further success as Fun Fun Fun triumphed in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Beginners Chase. The seven-year-old, who has already impressed in bumper and hurdle races, made a superb debut over fences, leading the field and pulling away in the home straight to win by seven-and-a-half lengths. Karia Des Blaises finished second, with Iris Emery in third.
Mullins praised Fun Fun Fun’s jumping, particularly noting her strong performance at the fifth-last hurdle. “She jumped very well for a mare on her first run,” Mullins said.
Light Up The Dark Wins in Snowy Conditions
In the concluding race, Light Up The Dark, a four-year-old making her debut, triumphed in the Fifty Stars At Sunnyhill Stud INH Flat Race. Under John Gleeson, the filly made light work of the tough conditions, winning by seven lengths and justifying her 2-1 favoritism. Gleeson described her performance as “very nice” despite the challenging weather.
