Racing:Grade One-winning novice hurdler Muirhead is primed to make his debut over fences in the Dobbins Food Hall Beginners Chase tomorrow. Trainer Noel Meade expects the seven-year-old to be ready for the graduation to the bigger obstacles.
Last seen finishing fifth to Hurricane Fly in the Rabobank Champion Hurdle at Punchestown in April, Muirhead takes on six rivals over two and a half miles back at that venue.
“He’s in nice form and I think he’ll like the good ground. He’s been schooling well and hopefully everything will be okay,” said Meade. “It’s not a bad place to start him off over fences, there aren’t too many horses in it.”
Elsewhere, Colm Murphy is looking forward to Voler La Vedette’s reappearance in the Grabel Mares Hurdle. The Co Wexford trainer is expecting a bold show from the six-year-old, who took this prize 12 months ago
“She’s done really during the summer and we couldn’t be happier with her,” said Murphy. “She’ll be better for the run but she should go really well.
“It’s the race she won last year and the conditions suit her so hopefully she’ll give a good account of herself. She’s been back in since August. She’s done plenty, but will improve for the run.”
Voler La Vedette faces eight rivals headed by John Queally’s Elyaadi, John O’Shea’s Gudnis Gracious Me and the Dessie Hughes-trained Grangeclare Gold. The field is completed by William McCreery’s duo Alpine Glade and Lizzie Bennett, Star Wood, Ocean Bright and Sarah Collins.