Champion bumper star Bambino Fever experienced her first loss when she couldn’t catch Old School Outlaw in her hurdle debut at Naas. Trained by Willie Mullins, Bambino Fever had an impressive bumper career, winning all her starts last season including victories at the Dublin Racing Festival, Punchestown, Leopardstown, and against Grade 1 contenders at Cheltenham and Punchestown.
Starting as the 1-4 favorite in Care at Home Services’ Meles Maiden Hurdle with Paul Townend replacing her usual jockey Jody Townend, Bambino Fever showed strong jumps but ultimately couldn’t fend off her fit competitor, Old School Outlaw. The latter, trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Jack Kennedy, had recently won the Listed Bumper at Navan and led on the back straight to narrowly beat Bambino Fever by half a length.
Jack Kennedy mentioned that while Bambino Fever was brave and jumped well, she may have moved to the front too early and could improve with more experience and fitness. Elliott added that the filly will likely have another run before targeting the Cheltenham novice hurdle for fillies, where odds for Old School Outlaw have notably shortened, though Bambino Fever remains the favorite.
Additionally, Gordon Elliott and Jack Kennedy secured a second win with Open Secret in the BAR 1 Betting Merry Christmas Maiden Hurdle, demonstrating strong form ahead of further races.
Fan Take: This race marks a pivotal moment for Bambino Fever, showing that even top bumper horses face fresh challenges transitioning to hurdles. It raises anticipation for future clashes at major festivals like Cheltenham, keeping the excitement alive for horse racing enthusiasts watching emerging talents develop.
