Duke targets Dublin with either Leagan Gaeilge or Clemencia

Brendan Duke will target the Dublin Racing Festival with either of his smart juvenile hurdlers Leagan Gaeilge or Clemencia.

Both Jackie Bolger owned four year olds have already won their maiden hurdles with Clemencia winning at Cork in November and Leagan Gaeilge getting off the mark first-time over hurdles at Leopardstown on December 27.

Duke reported “I’m very happy with both of them but which of them I’m going to run at Leopardstown I haven’t decided yet.

“The filly (Leagan Gaeilge) lost a bit of weight after the race but that was always possible with a big field and soft ground. She hadn’t done a lot of schooling before that race.

“I’m not being sexist but I always feel that fillies like a bit of warmth. We are doing our best to keep her snug and warm and she’s eating all the feed we are carrying to her.

“I don’t think you saw the best of Clemencia on Stephen’s Day at Leopardstown. There were a few things - one was the ground and the other was missing a few hurdles which definitely didn’t help him. The run from the last hurdle to the line was a long way.

“He’ll have learned a lot from the run as will all of us. I really think he needs a month between his races as he’s very hard on himself mentally.

“They are both big talents and I’m looking forward to the 2nd of February. It’s great to have this Dublin Festival because it fits in perfectly with Cheltenham. Hopefully the weather will be a little more clement than it is at the moment.

“They are two lovely horses to have and I’ll try and make the right decision on the day. Hopefully they will both go to Cheltenham but I’ll make that decision with Jim and Jackie (Bolger, owners).

“There are loads of options between now and the spring and I’ll do what I think is right for the horses and their owner and hopefully get it right.”