July Flower aims to capitalize on Kopec Des Bordes’ absence from the Racing Post Novice Chase at Leopardstown on Christmas Day. Willie Mullins’ Supreme Novice Hurdle champion will not participate in this Grade 1 race, but the contest remains highly competitive, with Gordon Elliott’s Drinmore winner Romeo Coolio as the favorite.
Henry de Bromhead is eager to take a shot with July Flower, having been impressed by the filly’s performances in her last two chases. “She will compete as a Grade 1 Novice; she was off the scene last year but has now returned,” de Bromhead said. “She won convincingly at Limerick and performed well in the Arkle Trial at Cheltenham. She’s a filly we hold in high regard and showed great promise over fences.”
De Bromhead is likely to field strong contenders during the Leopardstown Christmas Festival, including Stayers Hurdle winner Bob Olinger and Aintree Grade 1 victor Hidden Valley Lake. Both horses might be strong contenders in the three-mile Christmas Hurdle. “Bob Olinger won the Stayers Hurdle, so we are considering that race,” de Bromhead explained. “Alternatively, he might compete in the New Year’s Day L’Erkeel Hurdle at Cheltenham, where he has a fine record. We’ll decide soon. He has a Grade 1 penalty at Cheltenham and would drop a level at Leopardstown, so these factors will be weighed. He’s in good form.”
He added, “Hidden Valley Lake prefers a flat, counter-clockwise track like Aintree, so that could be an option.”
Hart Wood, another horse from the Robcoeur stable, has also influenced Knockeen’s trainer’s plans. After finishing second to John Durcan following a Punchestown victory, Hart Wood now faces a choice between the Savills Chase in Dublin or the New Year’s Day race at Tramore—a race recently won by stablemates Minella Indo (2023) and Jungle Boogie (2024). De Bromhead remarked, “He ran well to John Durcan in a very competitive race. It was a tough contest, and he looked fit throughout. We have options for him at Savills or Tramore, both attractive with a €50,000 bonus, which might sway our decision.”
Fan Take: This lineup of rising stars and seasoned contenders highlights the intense competition and strategic decisions shaping the festive racing season. Fans should watch closely as these choices could impact the trajectory of major races and future legends in the sport.
