The reigning Cheltenham Foxhunters winner It Came To Pass will complete his preparation for a repeat bit at the crown jewel of the Hunter Chase season, as he is among the big field that has been declared for Thurles on Thursday.
The 11-year-old has only run once since his 66/1 shock success at last year’s Festival when he finished fourth to Stand Up And Fight on his re-appearance at Fairyhouse back in November, and he will once again have the assistance of Maxine O’Sullivan on board with the stable also represented by Limerick Hunter Chase runner-up Super Citizen.
It Came To Pass is top-priced 9/1 for the St. James’s Place Festival Hunter Chase, but he will have plenty of capable sorts looking to get the better of him ensuring this will be no easy prep run, with his Fairyhouse conqueror among the leading opponents, with Aine O’Connor once again aboard.
David Christie has declared three of his leading hunter chasers including Down Royal runner-up Winged Leader who will have the reigning champion point-to-point rider Barry O’Neill aboard. Last year’s Tetretema Cup second Some Man is the mount of his regular rider Rob James, whilst On The Sod, who has won five of his six races to date completes the trio for the Fermanagh handler.
Macs Legend, who sprung a 25/1 surprise when defeating Samurai Cracker in last year’s renewal returns in an attempt to repeat that feat at the age of 13, with his two recent attempts to run over hurdles have been blighted by weather difficulties. John Barry who has ridden him to success on three previous occasions, including at Kinsale in December will be aboard for Gerry Kelleher.
The field also features a pair of hunter chase winners from this season in Er Dancer, who will be a first ride under rules for Ross Foley since August 2019, whilst Pa King and Sam Curling who were already among the winners this week at Fairyhouse on Monday, team up once again with the recent Clonmel victor Templebredin.
Elsewhere, the former American National winner Jury Duty returns from a winter break and will be the mount of Jamie Codd for his first run since chasing home the re-opposing Winged Leader at Portrush in October.
Conditions at Thurles are being monitored with ground reported to be Soft to Heavy following 10mm of rain on Monday night.
There is an orange weather warning in place for Co. Tipperary on Tuesday which could see widespread heavy rain.
To view the declarations please click here.
