High Class Hero is expected to line up alongside stablemates Ballyburn and Dancing City in next month’s Cheltenham Festival after claiming his first victory over fences at Punchestown.
Trained by Willie Mullins, the eight-year-old built on his promising chasing debut on New Year’s Eve, where he finished second to Shannon Royale. Returning as the 8-15 favourite, High Class Hero held off a strong challenge from fellow Mullins-trained runner Loughglynn to win by two and three-quarter lengths.
Following the win, bookmaker Coral shortened his odds for the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham from 33-1 to 25-1, with Mullins confirming the race as his likely target.
“He did it nicely,” said Mullins. “The ground was quite testing as they had a lot of rain before racing. He’s in the Brown Advisory. He would look that type of an animal, and we’ll probably head in that direction. The other fella (Loughglynn) will probably stay at home, and we’ll find something for him.”
High Class Hero has shown promise throughout his career, winning four of his six starts over hurdles and proving competitive at Grade One level when finishing close behind Dancing City at the Punchestown Festival last spring. His upcoming challenge at Cheltenham will see him face both Ballyburn, the current favourite for the Brown Advisory, and Dancing City, who bookmakers view as Ballyburn’s closest competitor.
Springt De La Mare Impresses for Cromwell
Elsewhere on the Punchestown card, Springt De La Mare continued his impressive start over fences, securing his second consecutive victory in the Concept Colours Rated Novice Chase. Trained by Gavin Cromwell and ridden by Keith Donoghue, the 9-2 shot produced a strong jumping display to win by three lengths.
“He jumped really well, and it was a good performance,” said Cromwell. “I was just saying to Keith that we couldn’t win a maiden hurdle with him, but he’s taken to this better. He jumps really well and got through that ground well.”
Looking ahead, Cromwell acknowledged that Springt De La Mare’s next move will depend on the handicapper’s assessment, as the horse has only competed in two races over fences and does not yet qualify for some of the more prestigious handicap events.
With the Cheltenham Festival just weeks away, all eyes will be on Willie Mullins’ trio of Ballyburn, Dancing City, and High Class Hero as they prepare to battle it out in one of the most anticipated novice chases of the season.
