Fairyhouse Winter Festival 2025 Contenders

bar one racing hatton's grace hurdle (grade 1)

Potential Runners for The Hatton's Grace

Lossiemouth (FR)

Last year’s Hatton’s Grace Hurdle heroine, Lossiemouth, lit up Fairyhouse with a dazzling performance, cruising clear of a high-class field to announce herself as one of the sport’s true stars. The Willie Mullins-trained mare returns this season with the spotlight firmly on her, as fans eagerly anticipate whether she can defend her crown and add another chapter to her growing legacy at Fairyhouse.

Glen Kiln (IRE)

Trained by David Harry Kelly, Glen Kiln has quickly established himself as one of Ireland’s most promising hurdlers and now sets his sights on the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse. A smooth jumper with a powerful finish, he looks a colt built to relish the test over 2½ miles. Running in the famed Bowe family colours — themselves linked to past Fairyhouse legends — he embraces the legacy of past winners like Limestone Lad and Solerina, making him an especially compelling contender as he bids to step into their shoes.

Ballyburn (IRE)

One of the most exciting novice hurdlers of recent seasons, Ballyburn looked a superstar in the making before switching to fences last term. While his novice chasing campaign didn’t quite capture the same electric spark, his return to hurdling has racing fans eagerly anticipating his next move. With his trademark low head carriage and devastating turn of foot, Ballyburn will be a thrilling contender in this year’s Hatton’s Grace Hurdle.

Wodhooh (FR)

An unbeaten mare on Irish soil, Wodhooh has quickly risen through the ranks with her slick jumping and powerful turn of foot. Trained by Gordon Elliott, she thrives when the ground turns testing, making the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle an ideal target. Stepping up in class, she’ll be looking to announce herself among the elite — and continue her flawless record at Fairyhouse.

Last Year's winner lossiemouth

On the 1st of December 2024, Lossiemouth claimed a commanding victory in the Bar One Racing Hatton's Grace Hurdle (Grade 1) at Fairyhouse, outpacing Teahupoo by 3 and 3/4 lengths. The going was yielding (good to yielding in places), and the winning time was over 5 minutes.

Paul Townend onboard and trained by Willie Mullins, Lossiemouth tracked the leaders for much of the race. When challenged by Teahupoo in the final stages, she responded powerfully despite a minor mistake four fences from home, ultimately drawing clear to win comfortably.

bar one racing drinmore novice chase (Grade 1)

Bar One Racing Drinmore Novice Chase Description

Bar One Racing Drinmore Novice Chase Previous Winners

Bar One Racing Drinmore Novice Chase Potential Runners

Gold Dancer (FR)

Representing the iconic maroon silks of Gigginstown, Gold Dancer looks to brin class and promise the Drinmore. Trained by Willie Mullins, he's a powerful jumper wit that touch of class the kind of horse that comes alive when asked. Fairyhouse has been very successful for both owner and trainer specifically with Gigginstown winning the 2024 renewal in thrilling fashion with Croke Park. Gold Dancer could very well be next in the long line of stars to sparkle in the Drinmore.

Slade Steel contender for the Bar One Racing Drinmore Chase

Slade Steel (IRE)

2024 Supreme Novice winner Slade Steel turns his attention for the Drinmore, connections seek redemption following Heart Wood's narrow defeat to Croke Park in last year's renewal. Trained by the in-form trainer Henry de Bromhead. Slade steels brings proven Grade One winning credential & early chasing form from last year maintaining his novice status. With trademark professionalism and class, he represents leaving contender for a connections synonymous with big race triumphs. The familiar sight of Henry de Bromhead and connection at the winners enclosure on Day 2 of the Winter festival.

Romeo Coolio (GB)

Romeo Coolio has been the model of progression for the Gordon Elliott team, blending raw ability with a steely attitude that makes him a true chaser in the making. Having announcing himself with commanding performances in both bumpers and novice hurdlers, he looks to be Elliott's next star over fences, following in the footsteps of Cullentra's Drinmore hero's of the past such as Envoi Allen (2020) Mighty Potter (2022), and Croke Park (2023) The Drinmore chass has been a springboard for Cullentra;s greats, with Elliott seeking a remarkable ninth success in the race. With the backing of KDTA Racing and Gordon's masterful touch, Romeo Coolio could well be the horse to make Fairyhouse roar this winter.

Ol Man Dingle (IRE)

Crowd favourite with a loyal following, Ol Man DIngle carries the colours of the Dunglen Racing Syndicate with pride. Tough, genuine, full of heart, he's progressing though the novice chasing ranks. Eoin Griffin has campaigned him mastfully winning a Grade 3 Chase in cork over the Drinmore distance. Ol Man Dingle will have his chance at his Grade One success. With a powerful syndicate behind him, Ol Man Dingle will have no shortage of support as he battles up the famous Fairyhouse straight.

Last Year's winner Croke Park

On December 1st, 2024, Croke park wins the 2024 Grade One Bar One Racing Novice chase. Producing a performance full of courage and determination, fending off a thrilling late challenge from Heart Wood to win by a neck under Sam Ewing. The going was yielding (good to yielding in places), the race was run over 2 miles and 4 fourlongs.

Trained by Gordon Elliott, ridden by Sam Ewing, Croke Park made all the running, jumping accurately and showing tremendous stamina in the closing stages. Despite pressure from a high quality field including Heart Wood, Firefox and Gorgeous Tom. he battled bravely to the line to secure narrow but decisive victory.

This success marked Elliott's eight win of the Drinmore Novice Chase.