4.15 2m. 3f. 180yds. 12 Declared. Connolly's RED MILLS EBF Auct.Hdle Final of €75,000.00 4-y-o plus
1st - €45,000.00 2nd - €15,000.00 3rd - €7,500.00 4th - €3,750.00 5th - €2,250.00 6th - €1,500.00
FormscanBy Michael Graham - SANDOR CLEGANE brings strong Grade 1 form to this contest. Paul Nolan's Fame And Glory gelding ran third in both a novice hurdle at Leopardstown and the Albert Bartlett at the Cheltenham Festival. Those races were over further, however, this intermediate trip shouldn't be an issue as he has plenty of form over the minimum trip. Three Card Brag finished over four lengths behind Sandor Clegane in fifth at Cheltenham. He has been particularly effective at this sort of trip, though. A neck second to a subsequent Grade 1 winner at Naas before Christmas stands out. Three Card Brag then went on to win a novice hurdle in Fairyhouse by 12 lengths. He comprehensively defeated Sandor Clegane over an extended 2m at Galway in October. That was on deep ground, though, and drying ground wouldn't be ideal for him. Senior Chief is up in class, but has won his last two races. He's in good hands and can get involved.
A novice hurdle for four years old and upwards that are EBF eligible and which had been purchased as an unraced three or four year old at Public Auction under the hammer in Ireland or Great Britain for #45,000 or less at a recognised National Hunt Sale and that have not been purchased at Public Auction under the hammer in Ireland or Great Britain for any more than #45,000 at any time and which, in the current season, have run in or been balloted from at least one qualifier race in the Connolly's RED MILLS Irish EBF Auction Hurdle Series and which have not, at any time, won a Listed or weight-for-age Grade 1, 2 or 3 Hurdle race or which have not, at any time, won a Listed or Grade 1, 2, or 3 I.N.H. flat race or N.H. flat raceWeights - 4-y-o 10st 13lbs 5-y-o and up 11st 7lbs Mares allowed 7lbsPenalties - Winner of a hurdle race 5lb extra Of two or more hurdle races 7lb extra