The Dublin Racing Festival was a brave bet, squashing three big days with long histories into just one weekend. We can look forward to its eighth running knowing that gamble has paid off handsomely.
These two days are now inscribed as a main event in the Irish racing calendar. This year's cast is arguably the most exciting yet.
Cheltenham is still the pinnacle of the jumping game. A spectacular showcase where the best of the Irish see how they shape up to the home team... very well of late, it would appear.
Like butter over too much bread, four days can see Cheltenham spread a little thin. This weekend hosts the two best days in all of National Hunt racing, fact. The Irish Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle are the headliners of eight Grade One events. British fans are now coming over in numbers, acknowledging what is on show.
The British horses aren't adding much to the mix, a handful with small chances. The only man who could have made any difference to the quality on show was Nicky Henderson, and he normally reserves any Irish trips for Punchestown.
I'm sure he thinks Sir Gino and Jonbon will have enough raiders to look at in March, not to mind taking them on away from home. It would have been nice to see Constitution Hill in the Irish Champion Hurdle though, a superstar for sure, but you'd like him to come and lay it on the line. An uncompetitive hack around Cheltenham at 1-12 last week will not do much for his legacy.
Last year, Willie Mullins ate all the pies, devouring every one of the eight top-level contests. The epitome of class, an articulate, gentle-mannered genius. But don't be fooled, only hungry, greedy men devour all the pies.
The 68-year-old's appetite for success is insatiable. Willie has achieved more than anyone yet he is ever expanding, ever improving, absolutely no end in sight. Amazingly, he might win all eight again as the yard starts to hit its stride.
Gordon Elliott has held the door open somewhat, Brighterdaysahead will not try to back up her Christmas win in the Champion Hurdle, nor does Gerri Colombe line up for the Gold Cup having missed a number of engagements since a below par run in November at Down Royal.
The most likely to upset another eight-timer is Gavin Cromwell's Hello Neighbour in Saturday's Juvenile hurdle.
State Man eyes a third Irish Champion Hurdle, and only Istabraq and Hurricane Fly have done better. Two years ago, State Man brushed by Honeysuckle, who was past her prime. Last year, he accounted for Bob Olinger, but this is a different task, stablemate and super filly Lossiemouth is in there.
Despite a career-worst effort last time, Paul Townend sticks with State Man. It must have been a tough choice, only a pound between the two at the weights. Townend knows them better than anyone and will have been hawk-eyed at their recent gallops.
Lossiemouth was no match for Constitution Hill last time but didn't travel well throughout, this was at a time when many from the Closutton string were not seen to be at their best.
Townend is on fire, he took over the reins, literally, from Ruby Walsh - possibly, probably the greatest of all time. This came with plenty pressure and it wasn't all plain sailing to start. Five years in the hot seat and he continues to improve, hitting his peak now at 34.
When Ruby retired, Paul was not at that level but he is getting the experience of horses that no one ever has. Not Walsh, nor McCoy, nor Dunwoody ,nor Swan got to sit on quality like this day in, day out. They say riding good horses makes a good jockey, riding great ones makes a great jockey.
Paul doesn't have the tactical genius of Walsh, nor the power of McCoy, but riding winners and competing every day hones skills so finely, his riding is now tuned to such a level that instinct makes up for, maybe goes beyond, the strength of those before, sometimes one can know more than they know they know.
The main attraction for most folks is Galopin Des Champs. This may just be the highlight of the year. I cannot attest to Arkle or Flying Bolt but in my 41 years, this is the best Irish-trained chaser there has been.
February and March could see him win a third Irish and third English Gold Cup, the stuff of legend. It's not just substance, he has the style.
Many the expert thought the up and coming Fact To File was heir to the throne but in the Savills at Christmas, Galopin made it clear he is still the king with what was possibly his best performance. Charging from the turn in with that impressive bounding stride he has, his power matched by athleticism, showing phenomenal agility at the last.
Galopin Des Champs wins the Grade 1 Savills Chase at #Leopardstown under Paul Townend #RTEsport pic.twitter.com/OwdfmwZDQX
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) December 28, 2024
Townend asking him to go for a long reaching stride, most horses wouldn't make that but he lifts and stretches putting in an enormous leap, man and beast as one. He doesn't falter all the way to the line, gallops through it and pulls Paul on towards the M50, this machine had more to give.
There is reason to believe Fact To File can stake a stronger claim, he raced too keen on that occasion, burning too much fuel on his way around. Mark Walsh might try something different, perhaps ride him further back to see if he can relax him this time.
This could make better use of his ability and see can he lay down a real marker. With a strong chance the young gun could go for the Ryanair Chase next month, Galopin might actually have lesser opposition at Prestbury Park.
This is going to be the race of the season. Go racing. When I'm old(er) and rattling to someone who doesn't care, I'll tell them 'I was there when......'
Watch the Dublin Racing Festival on Saturday from 1pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player and on Sunday from 1pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player
