Henry de Bromhead plans to take Echoing Silence directly to the Cheltenham Festival following her victory in the Matchbook 50:50 Graduation Series Filly Novice Hurdle at Punchestown. The filly, who previously won her maiden hurdle at Cork in early November and boasts a record of five wins and two losses, stepped up to listed class racing in County Kildare with this latest achievement.
Ridden by jockey Darragh O’Keefe, Echoing Silence surpassed expectations by defeating the favored 7-4 contender Switch From Diesel by nearly three lengths. De Bromhead is now preparing her for the Dawn Run Mares Novice Hurdle at Prestbury Park in March, a race he previously won with Terme Something Girl in 2021 and Air of Entitlement last season.
Her trainer praised her talent, calling Echoing Silence “a cracker and a lovely filly,” and expressed his satisfaction for owner Kenny Alexander and rider Darragh O’Keefe. He noted her excellent jumping, smooth movement, and strong finishing kick, stating, “The dream is alive,” while also mentioning that they acquired her from JJ Bowe and Sam Curling, who gave high recommendations. Looking ahead, the trainer is hopeful she will return in good shape for the Cheltenham event, perhaps after a brief rest.
Willie Mullins secured two wins on the same day, with Espresso Milan claiming victory in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden Hurdle at odds of 8-11 under Paul Townend. He was followed by Irish Art Gallery winning the Solo Arte – Punchestown Hurdle, ridden by Brian Hayes aboard Sea of Sands at 13-2. Townend commented on Espresso Milan, previously trained by Fergal O’Brien in the UK, noting that the horse showed good acceleration and could excel over longer distances, with plans for eventual fence jumping.
Brian Hayes also celebrates a double, having steered Colm Murphy’s Zanoush, a 2-1 favorite, to victory in the Matchbook Bucks’ Irish Racing Maiden Hurdle, and helped Jimmy Mangan’s Pure Steel secure its first fence win in the Matchbook Betting Exchange Rated Novice Chase at 5-2. Mangan highlighted their intention to keep racing Pure Steel over two miles and emphasized the horse’s solid performance in a manageable race with no standout rivals.
Gordon Elliott and Jack Kennedy also recorded a win with Crasso Blue, 7-2, in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginner’s Chase. Kennedy described the horse as “big-bodied” and suggested that he is still developing but has promising potential.
Fan Take: This roundup highlights the emergence of exciting talents like Echoing Silence and the strategic moves by top trainers heading into Cheltenham, which bodes well for a thrilling festival season. Fans should watch closely as these rising stars could shape the future of the sport with their performances on the big stage.
