Equinties - in memory of Jack

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Gm Equinauts 

My last three proper bets have fallen at the first hurdle and two have been done in photo finishes. Literally nothing tests your mettle like racing - being on the right horse but having nothing to show for it. Mf. 

But that can be the game sometimes. It's not all green. I've said it before, you need to learn to live with the down days, otherwise you don't deserve the up days.  

Now, let's dive in. 

Headline Roundup

O'Leary's gesture 

Michael O'Leary, the owner of Ryanair, has decided that this season's Mares Novice Hurdle, sponsored by the airliner, will be run in memory of Jack de Bromhead.

The son of the Gold Cup and Grand National-winning trainer, Henry de Bromhead, tragically lost his life in September following an accident at the Glenbeigh Races.

Following a victory with GATEAU DE MIEL at Fairyhouse yesterday, Henry told Racing TV about O'Leary's kind gesture.

This is a very heart-warming piece of news - good work, Michael! 

More: 

Willie's Triumph horse?

Top trainer Willie Mullins released a potential superstar onto the track yesterday as the well-backed ZARAK THE BRAVE made a striking debut at Fairyhouse.

The three-year-old by ZARAK glided past a defenceless field at the third last before bolting up by 10 lengths under a calm Paul Townsend - his jumping could do with a bit of TLC but that would be the only issue. 

Having been a 33/1 poke before the race, he is now as short as 12s for the Grade 1 juvenile event at Cheltenham in March, two points bigger than Mullins' LOSSIEMOUTH, a horse who has been backed in from 14/1 already without even making an appearance on Irish soil. 

More: 

Big Irish entries

In a similar vein to yesterday's section about Cheltenham entries this weekend, the cards at Naas and Navan towards the end of the week are insane.

As well as the horses mentioned in the above tweet, last season's Grade 1 Maghull Novices' Chase winner GENTLEMAN DE MEE and Irish Arkle second RIVIERE D'ETEL have also been entered for the same races as FERNY HOLLOW.

Also a winner at the Aintree Grand National meeting last season, ASHROE DIAMOND, successor in the Grade 2 Mares' Bumper, looks set to make her debut over hurdles in the opening race at Naas on Saturday - BRAZIL, FIL DOR, and IMAGINE are entered for the Grade 3 Fishery Lane Hurdle 30 minutes later.

In what could be a candidate for the race of the season, SIRE DU BERLAIS, TEAHUPOO, and ZANAHIYR join FLOORING PORTER for the Garde 2 Lismullen Hurdle at Navan on Sunday, a race that could see BOB OLINGER make his return to hurdles.

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Risk On

15.05 LADY ADARE

A nice improving filly who could be the best of this lot for a yard in form. Full bet at 3/1. 

16.30 RANGER THUNDERBOLT

He’s a BGP grad and defo has ability but the draw is going to fuck him. He’s too good not to have lunch money on to watch the race in case there’s a surprise. We took 33’s and 25’s, 14’s now but should drift if you want to wait. 

19.00 BAILEY GATE

85 horse - good enough to win this back on quick surface. Looks like others have spotted it this morning. Half bet at 11/4.