A crucial schooling session could determine whether the vicar steps up his game and competes at Leopardstown. The four-year-old, owned by Brighton & Hove Albion CEO Tony Bloom, claimed his fourth Old Borough Cup victory at Haydock in September, finishing with a rating of 102 before ending his time with trainer William Haggas.
Now under Willie Mullins’ guidance for a hurdles challenge, the horse is eligible for Friday’s TRI Equestrian Maiden Hurdle. Mullins’ team has a strong history in this event, having won it with notable horses like Copec des Bordes and Classic Dream in recent years. However, the vicar needs one last key preparation before his participation in the December 26th race in Dublin can be confirmed.
Broome racing manager Sean Graham shared that the vicar is currently undergoing schooling, and his racing future will be decided once he completes this phase satisfactorily. “If everything looks good, there’s a strong chance he’ll run,” Graham said, emphasizing that this maiden hurdle is competitive and typically requires a top-tier horse to prevail.
While the initial focus is on hurdles, the team remains open to opportunities on the flat, especially with some high-value summer flat races on the horizon. Graham added, “We hope to meet with the pastor soon to see if he’ll suit a hurdles campaign. Given his flat record, we’re happy even if he only runs a few hurdles before returning to flat races like the Old Borough Cup at Haydock.”
If he competes at Leopardstown but struggles with form or jumping, the team will reconsider whether to continue over hurdles or revert to flat racing. “Right now, everything about his future is still uncertain,” Graham concluded.
Fan Take: This development is thrilling for horse racing fans as it highlights a promising horse with versatile talent transitioning between flat racing and hurdles. How the vicar performs could influence training strategies for similar high-caliber horses and inject excitement into both racing disciplines.
