A strong Supreme to open proceedings in traditional fashion for the 2025 Cheltenham Festival, and there are reasons to be really positive about the first 3 home in a race run at a strong pace after an ordinary opening half-mile. That said, it again underlined the weakness of British-trained novice hurdlers overall, only one of the 11 starters representing the host country, and that one going off at 125/1 and finishing a well-held sixth.
Times overall (with this the fastest of 3 at the trip, including the Champion Hurdle) pointed to ground in line with the official description of “good to soft” (fractionally slower on the chase course than the hurdles), and there should have been few excuses on that score. The race was run in honour of jockey Michael O’Sullivan, winner of it on Marine Nationale in 2023, who tragically lost his life in a fall this year.
KOPEK DES BORDES (h161+ here and previously) came into this with excellent credentials following his superb win in a fast time at the DRF and enhanced his reputation despite having to battle late on, beating 2 rivals likely good enough to win this in an ordinary year. He travelled well tracking a pace that was strong from before halfway, made headway before 2 out and led going to the last, 2 to 3 lengths up when blundering there and needing to be ridden out. He otherwise jumped soundly, if a bit big at times, and will very likely end up over fences sooner or later, though he would have a realistic chance of a Champion Hurdle next term if persevered with in this sphere for a while longer.
WILLIAM MUNNY (h159 here, 147+ previously) proved popular in the betting following his impressive Listed win at Punchestown and delivered on all his promise, and some, in running a potential top-notcher fairly close, short of room briefly early and held up in touch, making headway 3 out and switched at the next, chasing the winner thereafter but just unable to get to him despite that one’s blunder at the last. He would not need to improve much further to be a genuine Champion Hurdle contender, especially if Kopek des Bordes goes over fences.
ROMEO COOLIO (h151+ here, 156 previously) can be marked up quite a bit, probably only just behind the first 2 in terms of ability but paying for an overly-aggressive ride after halfway in a race soon run at a strong pace. He disputed the lead briefly early then continued close up, leading from 3 out until after 2 out then understandably finding no extra. A chasing type on looks and likely to stay at least 20f, he remains with a bright future, be it over smaller or larger obstacles.
KARNIQUET (h146 here, 144 previously) was up against it in this company and acquitted himself well, finishing a couple of lengths closer to Kopek des Bordes than he had done at Leopardstown while looking something of a stayer, towards the front of mid-field before improving going to 2 out, hard at work soon after but sticking commendably to his task. It will be interesting to see what he can do at 20f+.
SALVATOR MUNDI (h136 here, 145 previously) looked not good enough more than anything, despite bits and pieces of his form suggesting he might be, free early and steadied back but niggled by halfway before merely keeping on.
TUTTI QUANTI (h124 here, 132 previously) was able to pass some beaten rivals late on having been in last early and outpaced by halfway, running the final 1f fastest of all in the field as the strong earlier pace took its toll on others. He will stay further.
IRANCY (h117 here, 142 previously) failed to fire, stiff task though this undoubtedly was, in mid-field and pushed along by halfway, rallying only briefly. His Punchestown win from one who has done quite well subsequently suggested he would not be out of place in this, but he had been absent for 116 days since it.
SKY LORD (h116+ here, 135 previously) shaped better than the result, making some headway from mid-field before 2 out, only to weaken, and should figure more prominently back in lesser company.
FUNICULI FUNICULA (h0 here, 129 previously) was steadied early and always behind.
KARBAU (h0 here, 140+ previously) promised plenty with his win at Punchestown in a useful time but lasted in mid-field only until after 3 out.
WORKAHEAD (h0 here, 150 previously) did too much up front until 3 out but should not have capitulated in quite the manner he did and was possibly not right on the day. He needs to settle to stay further.
