The excitement surrounding this year’s Cheltenham Festival just went up a notch.
Brighterdaysahead, the rising star of the hurdling scene, has been officially entered into the Unibet Champion Hurdle.
This sets up what promises to be the most electrifying head-to-head of the event, with Constitution Hill standing in her path.
A High-Stakes Decision
Owned by Gigginstown Stud and trained by Gordon Elliott, Brighterdaysahead had the option to take a safer route by competing in the Mares’ Hurdle on the festival’s opening day.
However, after much deliberation, the connections have chosen to go all-in and take on the reigning champion.
It’s a bold decision but one that could make history.
The five-year-old has been in sensational form this season, winning all three of her starts.
Her latest performance at Leopardstown on December 29 left spectators in awe, as she dominated the Savills Hurdle by a staggering 30 lengths over Winter Fog.
It was a display of sheer class, proving she is more than capable of competing at the highest level.
Strength of the Competition
Brighterdaysahead’s form is further reinforced by the performance of last season’s Champion Hurdle winner, State Man.
Although he struggled to keep up in third place behind her at Leopardstown, he bounced back in style by cruising to victory in the Irish Champion Hurdle.
That result only adds credibility to her dominance and raises anticipation for the Cheltenham showdown.
Gordon Elliott has carefully managed Brighterdaysahead’s campaign, keeping her fresh for this challenge.
He was eager to convince Michael O’Leary, the powerhouse behind Gigginstown Stud, to take a shot at the Champion Hurdle.
After discussions over the weekend, the decision was made: Brighterdaysahead is heading straight into battle.
The Ultimate Showdown
“We’ve talked it over with Michael and Eddie [O’Leary], and we’re going for the Champion Hurdle,” Elliott confirmed.
“None of us have won it before, and this feels like our best chance yet.
Jack Kennedy has always been her biggest supporter, and he’ll take the ride.”
With this decision, the Champion Hurdle is now shaping up to be the race of the festival.
Constitution Hill, the defending champion, remains the favorite after impressing in a recent gallop at Kempton Park.
However, support has been pouring in for Brighterdaysahead, with bookmakers now listing her as the 2/1 second favorite.
With other big names like State Man and possibly Lossiemouth joining the lineup, this showdown is set to be one for the ages.
The question now is—can Brighterdaysahead pull off the upset and take down the mighty Constitution Hill?