Navan Hurdles Set for Competitive Field on Sunday
Navan Racecourse in Ireland will host the Gibney’s Of Malahide Handicap Hurdle on , attracting a diverse field of contenders vying for a €6,899 prize. The 2m 5f 180y course is currently rated as Heavy following 1.38mm of rainfall, with a forecast of light showers and temperatures ranging from 3.9° to 9.4° Celsius, accompanied by a 6mph wind.
Jupiter Du Gite Aims to Build on Recent Form
Among the horses expected to challenge is Jupiter Du Gite, a 7-year-old bay gelding trained by T Hogan and owned by Alan Jamieson Site Services Limited. The gelding, ridden by Michael Kenneally, most recently finished 11th of 15 in a handicap hurdle at Punchestown. However, reports suggest Jupiter Du Gite shaped better than the result indicated, leading and jumping fluently before being hampered. Prior to that, he secured a third-place finish at Tramore after transferring from Gary & Josh Moore. For this race, Jupiter Du Gite will have a hood refitted.
Jupiter Du Gite’s National Hunt form shows 2 wins and 2 places in 15 starts, with total prize money of £12,442. He ran at Punchestown in January, but with a less favorable outcome than some of his rivals.
Themanintheboots Looks for Redemption
Themanintheboots is also considered a key contender, having shown promise in recent outings. In a recent race at Punchestown, the horse disputed the lead early, leading from the 13th fence before being overtaken and finishing 6th of 12. Like Jupiter Du Gite, Themanintheboots also competed at Punchestown in January.
Recent Form Highlights Across Irish Tracks
Several other horses have demonstrated strong recent form leading up to the Navan race. Apples Jane (IRE) secured a win at Ayr in January, beating Klassy Pearl by 5 1/2 lengths in a 2m mdn race on soft ground. Ill Raise A Glass (IRE) also claimed victory at Punchestown in January, winning a 2m 3f mdn race on Soft-Heavy ground by 5 lengths, defeating Poetisa (IRE). Mi Lucky Cailin (IRE) was victorious at Thurles in January, winning a 2m 4f hcp on heavy ground by 6 1/2 lengths, ahead of Gaelic Des Chastys.
Poetisa (IRE) finished second to Ill Raise A Glass (IRE) at Punchestown in January, while Soldierstown (IRE) secured a narrow win at Fairyhouse in January, beating Noemie De La Vis (IRE) by 1/2 length in a 2m 4f mdn race on soft ground. Zanoosh (IRE) also found success at Navan in January, winning a 2m 4f hcp on Soft-Heavy ground by 1 length, overcoming Hgranca De Thaix.
Sopelana demonstrated strong form at Punchestown in January, winning a 2m hcp on heavy ground by 2 1/4 lengths, ahead of Bibe Mus. Further back, Catchabird (IRE) finished 3rd of 10 at Punchestown in February, 16 1/2 lengths behind Pebble Bleu. Changeyourstars (IRE) secured a win at Limerick in December, beating Galileo Dame (IRE) by 1/2 length in a 2m 4f mdn race on heavy ground.
Challenges and Setbacks for Some Contenders
Recent racing performances haven’t been without their challenges. Excell (IRE) experienced difficulties at Punchestown in January, encountering early interference and being pulled up before the second to last fence. Cowper Hall (IRE) also faced trouble at Tramore, unseating its rider after being hampered during the race. These incidents highlight the unpredictable nature of National Hunt racing, where external factors can significantly impact a horse’s chances.
Looking Ahead to Navan
The Gibney’s Of Malahide Handicap Hurdle promises to be a competitive race, with several horses entering in good form. Jupiter Du Gite’s consistent record and recent showing at Punchestown, despite the less-than-ideal result, position him as a strong contender. Themanintheboots’ early lead at Punchestown suggests potential and the strong performances of other horses like Apples Jane, Ill Raise A Glass, and Mi Lucky Cailin add further depth to the field. The heavy course conditions and predicted light showers will likely play a significant role in determining the outcome of the race.
