Leopardstown race goers were treated today with the opportunity to witness some of the Irish Cheltenham contenders being put through their paces at the county Dublin track.
Quevega was the highlight of the evening as she went a steady canter for ten furlongs with Coral Cup hopeful Fivefourthree , Aintree contender Boxer George and another stable companion. The champion mare looked in great order as she completed her racecourse outing.
“We just brought them for a day out really,” said Mullins.
“The intention was to just canter round for one circuit as they worked yesterday and will work again during the week.
“They’ve been off the course for a long time so we just did it to knock the fizz out of them really, Fiveforthree certainly was fresh.
“I was very happy with them but there was nothing informative, all it told us was that they are alive and kicking.
“Katie Walsh rode Quevega because she rides her at home and Davy Condon rode Fiveforthree.
“I had been looking at the World Hurdle for him again but I’m considering the Coral Cup also.”
Dessie Hughes was another man who took the opportunity to complete a racecourse gallop with his main contenders.
Triumph Hurdle hope Our Conor looked impressive as he came up between stalemates Posiden Sea (Bumper) and the Barry Connell owned Minsk.
“I was very pleased with all three of them,” said Hughes.
“Minsk seemed to really love the better ground and Our Conor was great, I couldn’t be more pleased with him. He looked very strong and came up between horses and seems in good nick.
“Most of the work has now been done with them, it’s just a case of freshening them up now.”
Peter Fahey had his Cheltenham hopefuls Owega Star (Coral Cup) and Shop DJ (Mares Hurdle), along with seven other young in action.
Both hopefulls seemed in good order as they completed the steady piece with minimum fuss.
Tony Martin used the opportunity to show off his new recruit Golantilla along with Blackmail, both of whom are preparing for the Bumper. Benefficient, who has options in the novice chases was also on display.
“I was happy with all three and we’ll see how they are all in the morning,” he said.
“Golantilla went well, I’m very happy with the stage he is at. Everyone has been happy with him since he came.
“Blackmail has been around a bit, he won a point-to-point and is streetwise. He’ll know his job a lot more than some of the others.
“Benefficient cleared his lungs and went a good clip. He’s fresh and well and I’m very pleased with him, also.”
