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Six of the best: National Hunt horses to follow in 2024

Several Cheltenham contenders delivered commanding displays over the Christmas period

Wednesday, 03 January 2024
Six of the best: National Hunt horses to follow in 2024

Marine Nationale laid down an Arkle marker after a flawless chase debut

The Irish Arkle, the Arkle and then the Punchestown Festival is the route drawn out for him, with the seven-year-old’s unbeaten record set to face its fiercest test yet - Marine Nationale's plans for 2024

The festive period provided thrilling entertainment, tense finishes and emerging talents to whet the appetite for 2024, writes Ben Hart. 

With Dublin Racing Festival fast approaching and Cheltenham looming large in the distance, top-class hopefuls tuned up for second half of the National Hunt season at Leopardstown, Limerick and beyond. 

So as the season builds toward a climactic conclusion, here are six horses to keep an eye on in 2024.

Hewick secures hair-raising triumph

Undoubtedly the story of the festive period was HEWICK's fairy-tale win at Kempton Park.

The ‘small horse with a big heart’ that cost just £800 came from a seemingly impossible position to pull off a sensational win in the St Stephen’s Day Ladbrokes King George VI Chase.

All fell into place for the 12/1 shot, who reached 550/1 in running, with leader Shishkin unseating Nico de Boinville two from home allowing the in-form Gavin Sheehan – third choice for the ride with Jordan Gainford injured and Rachael Blackmore in action at Leopardstown – to pilot an historic victory.

Trainer John ‘Shark’ Hanlon invited the crowd to take a good look at Hewick in the winner’s enclosure, declaring that the Cheltenham Gold Cup and Grand National could be next.

With the Bet365 Gold Cup, Galway Plate and Grand National Hurdle in America already under his belt, Hewick has proven he can deliver across the globe on all tracks and will remain a force to be reckoned with.

Gaelic Warrior set to silence doubters

GAELIC WARRIOR hardened to evens favourite for the Turners’ Novice Chase after a dominant second win over fences.

Away from the Leopardstown Christmas Festival, he delivered a bruising five-and-a-half length victory at Limerick.

His only defeats to date have come at Cheltenham when travelling left-handed, and with connections having previously hinted at a preference for going the other way, jockey Patrick Mullins hinted at a possible test run at the left-handed Leopardstown in February ahead of a trip across the border in March.

Even that peculiarity to his record will offer little hope to Gaelic Warrior’s rivals, with his comprehensive victory in the Guinness Faugheen Novice Chase a reminder of his all-star quality.

Galopin made easy

The one to beat in the Gold Cup is the GALOPIN DES CHAMPS, who returned to form with a remarkable 23-length success in the Savills Chase.

He is down to even money to defend his Cheltenham title after putting consecutive defeats behind him in emphatic fashion.

Fastorslow has had better of him on the last two occasions, and after being withdrawn from the Leopardstown showdown, their next duel is not to be missed.

Martin Brassil’s horse is one of nine Irish entries left in the Gold Cup, with six different trainers bidding for glory.

Monkfish is Willie Mullins’ other hopeful, with Gerri Colombe and Conflated representing Cullentra, Gentlemansgame flying the flag for Mouse Morris, while Henry de Bromhead’s Envoi Allen and Jungle Boogie complete the current Irish raiders.

Marine Nationale still perfect

Five wins from five speaks for itself – MARINE NATIONALE will be a big player in 2024.

A near foot-perfect display on his debut over fences at Leopardstown crystalised his path to further Grade One glory for trainer Barry Connell.

The Irish Arkle, the Arkle and then the Punchestown Festival is the route drawn out for him, with the seven-year-old’s unbeaten record set to face its fiercest test yet.

Irish Point underlines staying credentials

Perhaps the most impressive of Gordon Elliott's Christmas crackers was IRISH POINT, who eased to victory in the Jack de Bromhead Christmas Hurdle and saw his Stayers’ Hurdle odds slashed as a result.

Elsewhere, Elliott feels Gerri Colombe fell short of his best at Leopardstown and is considering a tilt at the Irish Gold Cup in the hope of rediscovering some form ahead of a trip to Prestbury Park.

Kala Conti took a big stride forward, while maiden Grade 1 triumphs for Found A Fifty and Caldwell Potter and the fine performances of Jade De Grugy and Jalon D’oudairies leaves the Cullentra cast in fine shape.

Jetara scores sole victory for Harrington

JETARA continued her steady rise with a resounding triumph in the BeattheBank.ie Irish EBF Mares Hurdle at Leopardstown.

The five-year-old failed to get up in her first season over obstacles and so retained her novice status for the new campaign, but has since added a maiden hurdle, Listed win and now a Graded victory to her CV.

With dam Jelan a sister to several Grade 1 winning horses including Champion Hurdle hero Jezki, Jetara is bred for success.

Next up for her is likely to be the Novice Hurdle at Dublin Racing Festival according to Harrington, with another top-level outing in the pipeline for the Easter meeting at Fairyhouse.



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