Summer is now fading fast, and the focus rightly begins to shine on the National Hunt season proper in Ireland.
I have previewed some notable types who have run over the past couple of weeks, who should be progressing for their respective yards as the winter draws in, and as the jumps season gets into full swing.
The Cian Collins-trained Has Me Dreaming flew home on the run-in to snatch victory late on in the opening 2m maiden hurdle at Kilbeggan at the beginning of September.
Clonshire River looked booked for victory when driven into the lead before the final flight. Has Me Dreaming still had plenty to do jumping the last in third but Jordan Gainford got a great tune from the unfancied 5yo gelding as he got up in the dying strides for a half-length success.
The winner, by My Dream Boat, had shaped with promise when third on his debut at Roscommon last month.
Collins said: "He's a lovely horse.
He was big and green the last day, and improved a ton for it. We think a lot of him and he's for sale. If I can find an owner, I'd like to keep him in the yard. I'd say he'll be better over further and hopefully he'll keep improving."
Zefania stayed on stoutly to open her account over jumps in the mares' maiden hurdle later on the same card. The John McConnell-trained runner went to post as a well-supported 15/8 favourite in the 2m3f contest and was driven into the lead just before the final flight. Lady Nightingale, who was defying her massive price in the market, came to press her over the last, but the daughter of Maxios found plenty for Alex Harvey to record a two-length success.
Harvey said: "It took her a very long time to warm up into things. I was getting in under my hurdles and after a mile I was able to switch her out and she warmed into it then.
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Esta historia es de la edición October 2024 de Racing Ahead.
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LOOKING BRIGHT FOR IRISH STARS
Karl Hedley reports as jumps challengers pile on the heat across the water
WELL SET TO STEP AHEAD
Ben Morgan has ten warming prospects to follow in the coming weeks
CUE FOR MANY A CELEBRATION
Graham Buddry recalls the life and times of jumps legend Cue Card
KID KAN DOO FOR NICHOLLS
Paul Jacobs casts a close eye over leading picks for this month's big races
TWISTER RUNS MASTER CLASS
John Anthony watches Nigel Twiston-Davies' star catch time judges' eye
NO LEAVES ON LINE TO SLOW THESE FLYERS
Simon Nott enjoys a West Country Weekend catching up with ring pals
EXPECTATIONS SOAR AT RIDGE
Nick Townsend talks to rising Newmarket training star James Owen
KID KAN DOO FOR NICHOLLS
Paul Jacobs casts a close eye over leading picks for this month's big races
NORMA'S COLOURS ARE FLYING PROUD
Robert Cooper sees Percy Willis and Kaadam grace white and green spots and red cap
CHIANTI FLOWS AS NEW LION GROWLS
Prior to the National Hunt season 'proper' getting underway at Chepstow the question on many people's lips was whether or not Willie Mullins would target a second consecutive British trainers' title.