Gabynako likely to represent Cromwell in Limerick Grade 1 The Grade 1 BoyleSports Faugheen Novice Chase is the highlight of the four-day Limerick Christmas meeting and this year's renewal on St Stephen's Day promises to be a cracker with 17 entries at the latest forfeit stage. Willie Mullins has won this extended 2m3f event six times in the past decade and the Closutton maestro is represented by the exciting Ferny Hollow and Bleu Berry. The familiar Gigginstown colours are carried by six entries including Beacon Edge, Farouk D'alene, Fire Attack, Lieutenant Command and Run Wild Fred. Gavin Cromwell has a couple of strong contenders in Drinmore Chase runner-up Gabynako and Cheltenham Festival winner Vanillier. “I would prefer to split them up if I can at all," said Cromwell. “Gabynako wasn’t beaten very far in the Drinmore over two and a half so the trip around Limerick certainly wouldn’t be a problem to him. “We gave him a school on Tuesday and he jumped very well. In his beginners’ chase around Fairyhouse he was exceptionally good. He jumped well. He jumped well in the whole in the Drinmore but down over the last two he just made mistakes at the vital time that probably cost him the race. “As for experience, at this time of the year, they have as much experience as any of them. Vanillier would appreciate three miles if the ground is safe enough and he’s a Grade 2 winner over fences so ideally he will go to Leopardstown with Gabynako going to Limerick.” Henry de Bromhead will be hoping to end a great year on a high over Christmas with the Waterford-based trainer eyeing up many of the festive Grade 1 prizes and his team at Limerick comprises of Minella Melody and Mr Incredible. “Mr Incredible was a little bit disappointing in Newbury but he won a good beginners’ chase in Naas. He’s a nice horse who lacks a little bit of experience but he’s got good form so we could go for that. We could try him over that shorter trip and he won his maiden hurdle at Naas on heavy ground last winter if it turned testing but we’ll see closer to the time,” de Bromhead said. Entries also closed for Day Two of the Mr. Binman Limerick Christmas Festival in which the highly-touted Ginto and recent Punchestown winner Freedom To Dream are significant inclusions in the Grade 2 Lyons Of Limerick Jaguar Land Rover Novice Hurdle on Monday. Patrons are advised to book their tickets online at www.limerickraces.ie to ensure ease of access. General admission is €20 for December 26 and 27, and €15 for December 28 and 29. Children under 12 go free.
