Darver Star (Jonathan Moore) makes his way to the start at Cheltenham last month© Photo Healy Racing
Champion Hurdle third Darver Star is to be sent over fences next season with trainer Gavin Cromwell also considering a step up in trip for the highly progressive gelding.
The Kalanisi gelding was beaten off a mark of 104 in a Wexford handicap hurdle just over a year ago but has improved out of all recognition since, winning five times and making the frame on his latest three outings in Grade 1 company.
A staying on third behind Envoi Allen in the baroneracing.com Royal Bond Novice Hurdle encouraged a crack at the PCI Irish Champion Hurdle where the eight-year-old was beaten just a diminishing half-length by Honeysuckle.
Jonathan Moore was again in the saddle when leading approaching the last in the Unibet Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham last month, eventually settling for third place behind Epatante and Sharjah.
Cromwell is understandably proud of his stable star but also at something of a loss in explaining his colossal rate of improvement.
“He took a huge step up in class on his last three runs and he didn’t disappoint. He was second in the Irish Champion Hurdle and then to go to Cheltenham and finish third was unbelievable for a horse that was rated only 104 last March.
“I can’t fully explain how he’s improved so much. During the season he had a small wind op and that certainly helped him a bit but he just improved from race to race,” said Cromwell on Racing TV.
The Danestown trainer added, “He’s going to go chasing next year. He jumps really well and hopefully he can make a nice novice chaser. He even jumps a hurdle like a fence.
“It opens up more options for him as he can step up in trip as well. I think he really wants further than two miles and more like two and a half.
“The novice chasing division is not going to be easy either. The standard in Ireland at the moment is unbelievable with some really good horses.
“He was turned out last week and it’s great to have him out in one piece.”
