Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle |
||
| Grade 1, Leopardstown 13:45 €100,000 guaranteed, 4yo plus, 2m, Class 1  |
||
|
||
1 Romeo Coolio 7/4F
2
Bleu De Vassy 9/4
3
Eastern Legend 22/1
7 ran Distances: 9l, 4¾l, 2½l
Time: 3m 50.90s (slow by 0.90s)
A double on the day for @sam_ewing17 and @gelliott_racing as Romeo Coolio justifies favouritism in the @paddypower Future Champions Novice Hurdle 👊pic.twitter.com/HOhG1aQiWa
— Leopardstown RC (@LeopardstownRC) December 27, 2024
Trained by Gordon Elliott, the five-year-old Romeo Coolio had always been highly regarded by his connections but was beaten in the Royal Bond at Fairyhouse last time out. Despite that setback, he was sent off as the 7-4 favourite to go one better in this Grade One race, and the result never looked in doubt.
An early mistake from Karniquet meant he was always on the back foot and dropped away before the turn for home, leaving Bleu De Vassy, a stablemate of the winner, as the main danger. Romeo Coolio quickened away on the run to the last and had the race in safe keeping. Although he made a bit of a mess of the final hurdle, Sam Ewing quickly gathered his reins, and the horse was soon back in top gear.
Romeo Coolio went on to win by an impressive nine lengths and was halved in price from 20-1 to 10-1 for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle by Betfair. Elliott expressed his delight, saying, “Obviously it didn’t go to plan the last day and we all went home a bit disappointed. I’m delighted for the boys, they are back over here today. I’m very proud of the horse, and the boys that own him, as they are big supporters of Cullentra.”
He continued, “He had a little blip the last day and we’re very happy. Looking at that today, I’d say just a fast gallop is what he needs. He looked good there today. We said after the last day, we were going to go on and keep it simple. I’d imagine he’ll probably go for the Supreme Novices’.”
Romeo Coolio's performance showcased his potential and reaffirmed Elliott's high expectations. With his next target likely being the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, this victory sets the stage for an exciting future for this talented horse.
Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle
2m , Race Value: €100,000 guaranteed, Grade 1
7 ran
Going: Yielding, Good to Yielding in places
POS. DIST HORSE AGE WGT TRAINER JOCKEY SP
1 Romeo Coolio 5 11-12 Gordon Elliott Sam Ewing 7/4F
2 9 Bleu De Vassy 5 11-12 Gordon Elliott Danny Gilligan 9/4
3 4¾ Eastern Legend 4 11-12 J S Bolger Keith Donoghue 22/1
4 2½ Karafon 4 11-12 W P Mullins Daryl Jacob 10/1
5 33 Karniquet 4 11-12 W P Mullins Mr P W Mullins 11/2
6 37 Court Of Appeal 7 11-12 Noel G Hynds Darragh O'Keeffe 250/1
PU
Sea Of Sands 6 11-12 W P Mullins Danny Mullins 5/1
