Neville Inns Hurdle: Brighterdaysahead takes State Man to Leopardstown to problem Champion Hurdle | Racing Information

Brighterdaysahead produced a sensational show to take State Man’s scalp once more within the Neville Inns Hurdle at Leopardstown.

Gordon Elliott’s mare inflicted a shock defeat on the Willie Mullins-trained State Man within the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown final month, the latter’s first defeat since racing at residence Structure Hill within the 2023 Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham .

State Man, who within the absence of Structure Hill claimed Champion Hurdle glory final season, was the 4/9 favourite to show issues round in a race he had received in every of the final two seasons , however could not lay a glove on Brighterdaysahead in an enchanting affair.

From the beginning the race was dominated by Elliott, King Of Kingsfield and Brighterdaysahead shortly opening up an enormous benefit over State Man and the remainder of the sphere.

It was clear on the run to the second flight from the end that State Man would wrestle to shut the hole, with 5/2 shot Brighterdaysahead taking on from his stablemate earlier than straightening to return residence at residence in splendid isolation.

She was a bit messy on the remaining hurdle, however that did not matter as she secured a massively spectacular 30 size verdict, taking pictures 66/1 Winter Fog to beat State Man into second place.

Unsurprisingly, the consequence had a serious influence on ante-post betting for the Champion Hurdle, with Coral lowering Brighterdaysahead’s odds to six/1 from 16/1 whereas additionally lowering market-leading Structure Hill to 4/7 towards 4/6. .

Nevertheless, Brighterdaysahead’s connections proceed to insist that the Mares’ Hurdle, for which she is 5/4 second favourite with the identical firm behind even-money market chief Lossiemouth, stays a critical various Competition goal.

Michael O’Leary stated: “She was nice, however King Of Kingsfield additionally did the onerous work.

“Eddie (O’Leary, brother) referred to as me just a few years in the past and stated there was a mare right here that we had to purchase. Gordon has cherished her since he introduced her residence. home, so it is each of them.

“I would go for the Mares’ Hurdle, however we’ll focus on it nearer to Cheltenham, however in the end Gordon and Eddie will most likely determine and I will be voted out! Let’s get pleasure from it right now.”

Coral took State Man to 10/1 from 4/1 to efficiently defend his Champion Hurdle crown at Cheltenham in March after a lackluster efficiency, with jockey Paul Townend afterwards saying: “I used to be in hassle from the beginning. He by no means actually traveled.