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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Elliott outlines plans for novice hurdlers

Mon 22nd Jan 2024, 11:45

Firefox and Jack Kennedy Firefox and Jack Kennedy
© Photo Healy Racing

Firefox and Croke Park will go straight to the Cheltenham Festival without another run after both the talented novices were found to be amiss when disappointing earlier this month in the Lawlor’s Of Naas Novice Hurdle.

Firefox was sent off the 15/8 second favourite for the Naas Grade 1 having beaten Ballyburn in a Fairyhouse maiden hurdle but could find no extra from before the last when fourth behind Readin Tommy Wrong.

Croke Park, who previously won the Grade 3 Monksfield Novice Hurdle at Navan, weakened in the straight to finish in rear.

“Both horses were lame after the race,” Elliott revealed on Racing TV.

“A few of ours have also been running a bit below par recently but that’s racing.

“We’ll put a line through it.

“Firefox will go for the Supreme Novice and I’d imagine Croke Park will go for the Albert Bartlett.

“They definitely won’t be running before Cheltenham. They are horses for the future and will have another run or two this season.”

Firefox is currently a best-priced 16/1 with Coral for the Supreme, while Croke Park can be backed at 25/1 with bet365 and Paddy Power for the Albert Bartlett.

About Alan Magee
Alan has worked in the racing industry for well over 30 years including with the Sporting Life, Turform and Irish Racing Services. He took up his current role as Irish Racing Team Leader with the Press Association in 2013. He has a keen interest in most sports and plays golf.