Galmoy Hurdle Nap and NB for Gowran Park on Thursday- 'Don't Discount the Reigning Champ' Thursday promises to be an exciting day of racing at Gowran Park, featuring two graded contests, including the highly competitive Grade 2 Galmoy Hurdle. The race has a history of producing quality winners, such as Teahupoo, Monkfish and the most recent champion, Rocky’s Diamond, who is back to defend his title. Contested over a distance of 2m 7 1/2 the Galmoy Hurdle often serves as a key preparation race for horses targeting the Stayers' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March. The early betting suggests that a competitive renewal is anticipated, with a field of seven runners set to challenge. By George Bonds Elliot looking to cement himself at the top of the Trainers Championship Trainer Gordon Elliott looks to be in a great position to finally grasp the Trainers Championship from Willie Mullins, who has held the title for the last 17 consecutive years. While it is foolish to discount Mullins in any facet of the game, Elliot will be thrilled to see his rival from Closutton hasn’t sent a challenger to this Grade 2 contest. Elliott will have two representatives in the race with the 2024 Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up Gerri Colombe reverting to hurdles and the ever-improving Staffordshire Knot also set to take to the field. As previously mentioned, last year's winner Rocky’s Diamond is set to defend his crown and could present a danger to the Elliott duo, while the experienced Home By The Lee shouldn’t be ruled out either. Gerri Colombe to get the job done GERRI COLOMBE is a fascinating contender in this Grade 2 contest over hurdles at Gowran Park. The race is widely expected to serve as a preparatory run before another tilt at the Gold Cup in March, echoing Monkfish who won this in 2024, before having a crack at the Cheltenham Gold Cup himself. The 10-year-old was rated as high as 170 over fences and earned himself an RPR rating of 178 following his second-place finish in the Gold Cup. If he can reproduce any of that high-level form over the smaller obstacles, he will be a major player. He’s the pick of star stable jockey Jack Kennedy and the heavy ground over the three-mile trip will be perfect for the horse. Whether this is just a warm up for his future Cheltenham engagements, there is no doubt that he can certainly play a big part in this contest if he is on his game. Don’t discount the reigning champ Like Elliott, trainer Declan Queally will also be represented by two contenders with the mare Mozzies Sister and last year’s winner ROCKY’S DIAMOND. While the mare holds her plaudits, Rocky’s Diamond has a great chance of winning this race for the second consecutive year. While Queally’s six-year-old remains more unexposed than some of his rivals, he does hold a good record at Gowran Park, winning twice from three runs, with his only blemish being on his debut as a juvenile. He was well held in the Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown last time out, but has been in good form for the most part this season. Rocky’s Diamond can go well here before potentially having another crack at the Stayers' Hurdle at Cheltenham.
