Thomas Abbott picks out five Irish-trained horses to follow closely in 2015.
KALKIR
Willie Mullins’ three-year-old grey bolted up at Fairyhouse last month on his first start for connections. That was a Grade 3 contest so expect to see this well-bred gelding in Grade 1 contests over the winter months. He is as short as 5-1 favourite for the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham in March and with further improvement in his jumping, he could go very close.
LE VENT D’ANTAN
A 142-rated hurdler last season he looks built to jump fences. Made a highly-encouraging debut over the larger obstacles last month and is sure to win races. A strong-travelling type, he can be a force in all the better novice chases. Anything between 2m and 2m 4f looks ideal and he is one to follow.
SILVER CONCORDE
Dermot Weld’s Champion Bumper winner is set to embark on a novice hurdle campaign and is obviously a hugely promising recruit. Likely to make his debut over timber shortly, he has a serious engine and could make it up into either a Supreme or Neptune horse for next year.
VAUTOUR
A banker for all ‘Ten to follow’ lists. Last year’s unbeaten Supreme Novice Hurdle winner made an effortless transition to fences when easily beating the useful Clarcam at Navan, and rates as one of the most exciting horses in training. He should head into graded company next time and will be aimed at either the Arkle or JLT Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. A cracking jumper, he is a joy to watch and it will take a good horse to lower his colours.
BRIAR HILL
Unbeaten until falling in the Albert Bartlett at last year’s festival, he is one to follow in the staying hurdler division this campaign. A former Champion Bumper winner, he has great scope to improve on his already excellent record and Willie Mullins will surely have the World Hurdle in his mind come March. With More Of That already disappointing this year, he could be the one to take advantage.
