Harry Swan partnered Brighterdaysahead to win the finale at Fairyhouse © Photo Healy Racing
On an afternoon marred by the fatal fall of Mighty Potter in the Grade 1 WillowWarm Gold Cup Chase, it was rather apt that that geldings half-sister Brighterdaysahead should run out an impressive winner of the concluding Tattersalls Ireland George Mernagh Memorial Sales Bumper at Fairyhouse.
The Gordon Elliott trained four-year-old looked well treated here having escaped a penalty for her debut win at Gowran Park in February.
Harry Swan tracked the leaders for much of the journey before producing the filly to challenge on the inner early in the straight. Once asked to go and win her race the response was immediate, as she quickened up impressively to see off her rivals.
“That's the game we're in, you've got to keep your head up and keep going,” said Gordon Elliott.
“We won the last race in Cork and the last race here and she's a sister to Mighty Potter.
“We'll keep the head up and keep going, it's heartbreaking to lose a horse like him but we won't lie down and we'll try and find the next one.
“I have good owners behind me and good staff. It's hard for Andy and Gemma Brown, Caldwell Construction, but they are a big part of Cullentra and we'll get behind them and find another one.
“Everyone is very upset but on a brighter note this is a good mare. It's bitter sweet. That'll be her for the season now.”
Paddy Power cut Brighterdaysahead from 14/1 to 10/1 for the 2024 Mares Novices Hurdle
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
