Mauricio Pochettino called for measures that prioritise rest time for players after a run of three games in seven days for Chelsea.
The 3-2 victory over Luton at Kenilworth Road on Saturday, which ended a streak of four consecutive away losses in the Premier League, was the eighth match his team has played in December.
The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), which represents the interests of players, is understood to be exploring the possibility of taking legal action over the number of games in which teams are expected to take part.
It comes ahead of the imminent launch of a new format for the Champions League which could see as many as four extra games added to clubs’ schedules, while the 2026 World Cup will feature 48 countries for the first time.
Chelsea are also due to take part in FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup set to take place in the United States in the summer of 2025.
Pochettino, who is one of a number of top-flight managers to have had to contend with an injury crisis during his first six months in charge at Stamford Bridge, said more must be done to protect players amid growing commitments.
“It’s a business that provides many people in many different areas with a comfortable life,” he said. “(But) of course it’s a business where the players are the principal actors. We need to care about them.
“It’s true that it’s the only sport in the world where the players compete for 10, 11 months. Sometimes we need to manage better the way to rest the players, to give the possibility for recovery.
“When we compare with other sports, only footballers are competing for nearly 11 months.
“When you increase the level of competition, football is fast, the players run more, we push them every day to improve and improve their physical condition. But they need rest.”
Pochettino has had to do without a number of key players for long periods this season, most notably his captain Reece James who recently underwent hamstring surgery, as well as Ben Chilwell and new signings Christopher Nkunku and Romeo Lavia.
Defenders Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah have not played this season, while Lesley Ugochukwu has been unavailable since the second weekend of the campaign.
“It’s a good point to all realise that (there are) 11 players, in the squad 22,” said Pochettino. “When the manager makes changes it’s so not to play the same starting XI every single game.
“It’s to restrict, so players don’t start every two to three days in a busy period. It’s many ideas we need to share all together to find the best solution.
“There have been too many injured the last few years. We need to be cautious about the situation, we need to look after better our players.”
Mikel Arteta lamented a “painful and sad” day as Arsenal’s Premier League title challenge suffered another setback with defeat at Fulham.
The Gunners now sit fourth in the table after a 2-1 loss at Craven Cottage only added to a home defeat to West Ham on Thursday.
Bukayo Saka had given the visitors the lead in west London, only for Raul Jimenez and Bobby Decordova-Reid to turn the game around for the Cottagers.
Five games ago, Arsenal were six points clear of champions Manchester City but are now level, having played one more game with Pep Guardiola’s side in World Club Cup action before Christmas.
Asked for his view on the game, Arteta said: “Painful and a sad day. That’s how I would sum it up.
“We had the chance to be top of the table after 20 games with the consistency that we’ve shown. We haven’t managed well enough to earn the right to win the game.
“Three days ago we lost a game that we deserved to win, today was a very different story.”
Arsenal had 30 attempts on goal as they slipped to a 2-0 loss to West Ham – but it was a different story here as Arteta’s side toiled to create chances on a wet and windy afternoon by the Thames.
“For sure,” the Spaniard replied when asked if the Fulham performance was more concerning than that against the Hammers.
“The other one, we didn’t put the ball in the net and they scored the way they did. It’s OK. Today the overall performance was more worrying.
“We weren’t good enough. We weren’t good enough in ball possession, we gave too many balls away. we didn’t have enough rhythm, enough threat.
“Defensively we were second best. We could not control the direct play. It was so easy for them to win that first and second ball and have the opportunity to run.
“Then we conceded two goals like we did against West Ham and when you do that in this league it’s going to be very difficult to win.”
Fulham head coach Marco Silva was left raising a glass to a good 2023 as his side returned to winning ways after a three-game losing streak in the league.
This was also the first time in over a year Fulham have come from behind to win in the Premier League and Silva was pleased with what he saw from his team.
“It really the best way to finish 2023, definitely,” he said.
“Our ambition was to finish on a high and react from the last two games. I really believe we deserve it. Over the 95 minutes we deserved it more.
“It was very good reaction after the first goal. The way we beat their pressure and began to play our way. We even had more chances to score a third goal.”
Willie Mullins has a trio of chances in the Savills New Year’s Day Chase at Tramore on Monday.
Classic Getaway was a Listed scorer on his seasonal debut at Thurles in November, winning over two miles and six furlongs ahead of Haut En Couleurs and French Dynamite.
He was ridden by Danny Mullins on that occasion and will be once again in the Tramore Grade Three won four times in a row by dual Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Al Boum Photo.
“Danny sticks with Classic Getaway having won with him already this season, he’ll have race fitness on his side,” said the Closutton trainer.
Monkfish is another runner for the all-conquering stable, a nine-year-old who returns to chasing after his successful novice career over fences was cut short due to injury in 2021.
He returned to action at the tail end of last season with two runs over hurdles and will now tackle fences for the first time in several years.
“Monkfish goes there with probably the highest rating over jumps, but it will be his first run this season in very testing ground,” said Mullins.
“Maybe he’ll love the ground, but we’ll see how he is.”
Bronn is the third Mullins runner and looks to return to form after a beaten run at Wexford last time where he met with a minor injury.
Mullins said: “Bronn came back in with an injury after his last run, I’m hoping to put a line through it. He’s another horse that will love these conditions.”
Away from Tramore, Mullins has a pair of good chances at Fairyhouse where Cheltenham Festival runner-up Allegorie De Vassy contests the Grade Three John & Chich Fowler Memorial EBF Mares Chase alongside stablemate Instit.
The Fairyhouse event will be a renewal of a rivalry between the two horses that saw them finish first and second respectively in the T.A. Morris Memorial Mares Chase at Clonmel in early November.
“Allegorie De Vassy shows a liking for Fairyhouse, the conditions should really suit her,” Mullins said.
“Instit is another one who has good Fairyhouse form so she should be a good second string to Allegorie De Vassy.”
Rangers have confirmed the Scottish Football Association has so far failed to disclose the audio of the VAR penalty incident in the 2-1 defeat at Celtic on Saturday “despite repeated requests”.
Celtic defender Alistair Johnston appeared to handle the ball inside the penalty area in the first half of the cinch Premiership clash at Parkhead while under pressure from Rangers’ Abdallah Sima.
Referee Nick Walsh pointed for a goal kick and the decision was confirmed by VAR official Willie Collum following a check. However, it later emerged through Sky Sports – broadcasting the match live – that there had been an offside in the build-up.
After the game, a Rangers spokesperson confirmed the club would make a request to listen to the audio to help the club understand why no penalty was given and no VAR audio has still not been made available.
A Rangers spokesperson said: “Despite repeated Rangers FC requests, the Scottish FA have so far failed to disclose the VAR audio to allow the club to understand the process around the non-award of a penalty in the first half of yesterday’s Old Firm match.
“Rangers officials stand ready to meet in-person or virtually with the Scottish FA at any time to hear and discuss the audio. However, the Scottish FA are refusing to both share the VAR audio and meet until at least Wednesday, five days after the Old Firm match and after the next round of Scottish Premiership fixtures. This is clearly unacceptable and heightens Rangers’ concerns over the lack of transparency, for which the need is urgent.
“Rangers have learned no penalty was awarded as the VAR official, Willie Collum, concluded a handball offence had not occurred in the first half. While the club and most observers are astonished by this ‘professional’ view, we remain perplexed and concerned about the Scottish FA’s motivations for sharing an offside image with broadcasters during the second half, when this was not the original reason why the penalty was not awarded.
“England’s Premier League and other leading European Leagues operate on a ‘nothing to hide’ basis, where open communication and full transparency are available to clubs and the public on contentious VAR calls in a timely manner.
“On a weekend where not only Rangers but also fellow Scottish FA member clubs have major questions over potentially match-changing incidents, our governing body would do well to heed that same mantra.”
Willie Mullins’ Sir Gerhard seemed to relish a return to smaller obstacles when taking the feature Tote Guarantee Available On Course & Tote.ie Hurdle at Punchestown.
The Cheveley Park-owned bay was top class over the smaller obstacles earlier in his career, taking the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in 2022, having won the Champion Bumper at Prestbury Park 12 months previously.
Though he won on his chasing debut last January and finished a close second in the Grade One Gold Cup at Fairyhouse in April, his jumping did not always fill onlookers with confidence.
He was again tried over fences on his first run of this season but fell in the Barberstown Castle Chase at Naas and was reverted to hurdling this time around.
Under Paul Townend, he was the 10-11 favourite and looked to get his mojo back by winning by two and three-quarter lengths ahead of Thedevilscoachman.
“That was a nice performance and he’s got his confidence back over hurdles anyway,” said Mullins.
“We’ll probably stick to hurdles now this season and he may go down the Stayers’ Hurdle route.
“He jumped well at Naas until he fell and it took him a while to recover from that fall.
“I thought looking at him going down to the start that he looked big and I’d be hoping there is more improvement.”
Fulham dug deep to stun Arsenal 2-1 at Craven Cottage to inflict a second successive Premier League defeat on Mikel Arteta’s men.
Bukayo Saka scored after just five minutes but the Cottagers rallied through Raul Jimenez and Bobby De Cordova-Reid to claim all three points and deny Arsenal the chance to climb to the top of the table.
The victory eased some pressure on Marco Silva, whose side ended a run of three straight defeats.
The Gunners landed the first blow when Kai Havertz drove forward from midfield and picked out Gabriel Martinelli. His shot was parried by Bernd Leno into the path of Saka who tapped home to make it 1-0.
Fulham had the chance to draw level after 14 minutes when Willian found the overlapping Antonee Robinson, who delivered a perfect cutback to Jimenez but the Mexican international’s shot was comfortably saved by David Raya.
Jimenez returned to the side after he served a three-game suspension after his sending off during Fulham’s 3-0 defeat at Newcastle and he looked eager to impress.
Willian’s quality shone through against his former side and after his deflected shot won a corner he produced a deft chip to partner Jimenez, who fired over.
And the home side’s persistence paid off with the equaliser in the 29th minute.
Willian wreaked havoc down the left and played in captain Tom Cairney, whose whipped cross found Jimenez and he produced a neat first-time finish to claim his fifth goal of the season.
The Cottagers completed the turnaround after 59 minutes as Willian sent a corner deep into the box and after Joao Palhinha’s header deflected off Declan Rice the ball bobbled into the path of De Cordova-Reid, who poked home.
A well-worked move saw Saka sky a volley from six yards out as it started to appear it was not going to be Arsenal’s day.
Jimenez beat William Saliba to a loose ball before he found Cairney but his long-range strike was magnificently stopped by Raya.
The Cottagers almost extended their advantage in the 88th minute when Takehiro Tomiyasu cynically fouled Harry Wilson and was fortunate to only be shown a yellow card by referee Josh Smith.
Andreas Pereira then saw his dipped effort rebound off Raya’s crossbar before the hosts successfully defended a barrage of Arsenal corners during five added minutes to claim the win.
Son Heung-min grabbed his 12th goal of the season to help Tottenham to an entertaining 3-1 home victory over Bournemouth.
It earned Spurs a fourth win in five Premier League matches, but this was far from comfortable against Andoni Iraola’s in-form side.
Pape Sarr opened the scoring for Tottenham in the ninth minute, but left the pitch in tears with an injury to put his Africa Cup of Nations participation in doubt and Ange Postecoglou’s men had to wait until the 71st minute for a second.
Son doubled the hosts’ advantage ahead of Asian Cup duty with South Korea next month and Richarlison scored his fifth goal in as many matches before Alex Scott hit a late consolation for the Cherries.
This result coupled with Arsenal’s loss at Fulham means fifth-placed Tottenham are only a point behind their rivals going into 2024.
Spurs were eager to respond after being blown away by Brighton on Thursday and received a timely injury boost with Rodrigo Bentancur fit enough to start.
It was a month ahead of schedule and much-needed for Spurs boss Postecoglou.
While all eyes were on how Son would sign off, it was Senegal midfielder Sarr who grabbed the opener with his second goal for Tottenham.
Bentancur nipped in quickly in midfield before Giovani Lo Celso beat Lewis Cook, which opened up space for Sarr and he rifled into the bottom corner from 18 yards.
It was a great start for the hosts, but they were intent on trying to walk in a second goal until makeshift centre-back Emerson Royal tried his luck and had a piledriver parried away by Neto.
Neto was called into action again midway through the half when Richarlison sent Son away, the Tottenham captain seeing his low effort saved.
Bournemouth, chasing a seventh win in eight matches, started to gain the upper hand on proceedings after and Postecoglou was forced into an early change when goalscorer Sarr went down with a muscle injury.
Sarr left the pitch in tears as Dominic Solanke and Luis Sinisterra squandered decent headed opportunities for the visitors.
A Marcus Tavernier free-kick was diverted wide by Richarlison on the stroke of half-time before Solanke hit the crossbar after Ben Davies’ deflected his shot onto the woodwork as Spurs held a slender lead at the break.
Iraola’s team remained on the front foot and Guglielmo Vicario had to claw away Solanke’s header as the heavens opened in north London.
Richarlison should have made it 2-0 with 52 minutes played when Son sent him away, but the Brazilian attacker scuffed wide.
It was a rare venture forward for Tottenham, who were fortunate again on the hour mark when Solanke flashed wide from close range.
Bentancur had been replaced by this point, but the crucial second goal arrived for the hosts with 19 minutes left.
Lo Celso was the architect with a superb through ball with the outside of his boot and Son found the bottom corner.
Postecoglou could breath a sigh of relief and Richarlison made the points safe 10 minutes from time when he swept home Brennan Johnson’s cross in a carbon copy of his goal against Everton.
Substitute Scott pulled one back from Bournemouth in the 84th minute after Tavernier’s cutback, before Postecoglou was booked after exchanging words with Iraola’s backroom staff amid an injury to Alejo Veliz but Tottenham ended the year on a high.
Irish Injured Jockeys chairman Ruby Walsh has hailed continued support from the Association of Irish Racecourses as a “massive” boost.
The AIR, which represents all 26 Irish racecourses, has pledged a combined total donation of €369,000 to the charity over the next three years – €123,000 per annum.
This donation will go towards IIJ running costs in an effort to ensure that public income raised through donations and fundraisers will go to service users and beneficiaries.
Former champion National Hunt rider Walsh said: “On behalf of the Irish Injured Jockeys, I would like to sincerely thank and acknowledge the 26 racecourses for their support.
“The extension of their financial commitment for another three years is massive for IIJ and testament to the great relationship we have with the racecourses.
“Their support will allow us to continue the important work we do and expand our services to riders. Their support towards IIJ running costs is a noble gesture and a remarkable contribution for which we are most grateful.”
Donations are set on a scaled basis depending on the racecourse grade and each track pays their pledged amount to IIJ direct.
Conor O’Neill, chairman of the AIR and CEO of Punchestown, said: “Jockeys are the cornerstone of racing, providing racegoers with great days out and brilliant racing memories.
“However, we are acutely aware that it is a high-risk sport and the extraordinary physical demands our jockeys face for our sporting pleasure.
“Irish racecourses enjoy superb relationships with jockeys and greatly value the time they give us to promote our wonderful sport each year.
“In recognition of that, the Association of Irish Racecourses is delighted to formally demonstrate our commitment with €123,000 per year for the next three years to support the incredible work the Irish Injured Jockeys do.”
Willie Mullins’ Storm Heart made an impressive Irish debut when running away with the Tote.ie 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle at Punchestown.
The gelding was a Flat winner in France before changing hands to join Mullins for Gigginstown House Stud.
Punchestown was his first run on Irish turf and, under Paul Townend, he was the 2-5 favourite in an 11-runner affair.
He travelled well throughout and was much the best, strolling easily clear to secure an unchallenged 22-length victory.
“It was a very good introduction, I didn’t expect that,” Mullins said.
“I was hoping he was all right, but he’s more than all right looking at that performance.
“Paul thought he was very brave too, as he got blinded at one or two hurdles. He lost his confidence for one or two but got it back. He took them on and he loves jumping.
“I would have said coming here there was huge improvement in him, and I hope there is.
“He’s probably good enough to go wherever we wanted.”
Henry de Bromhead’s Monty’s Star got off the mark over fences when winning the Download The New Tote App Beginners Chase.
The six-year-old was a Grade Three winner over hurdles and graduated to the larger obstacles this season, starting out in a competitive beginners chase at Fairyhouse, where he was third behind Corbetts Cross and Three Card Brag.
The latter horse was also entered at Punchestown and went off the 4-11 favourite, as Monty’s Star was a 9-4 chance under Rachael Blackmore.
Three Card Brag led for much of the race but did not always jump fluently, whereas Monty’s Star gained ground with every fence and eventually came out on top after a tussle in the home straight.
“Jumping is his biggest asset and even though it’s tough ground to jump out of, he did it well,” said Blackmore.
“He stayed on and galloped out well to the line. We didn’t go a mad gallop, but it was a good performance on tough ground. He’s improved from the last day.”
Clonmeen took the Tote, Never Beaten By SP Handicap Chase for rider Simon Torrens and trainer William Murphy.
The 4-1 chance was back in fine spirits after a spell under the weather since scoring at Down Royal seven weeks ago and prevailed by a head in the three-mile event.
Murphy said: “The horses were all sick for about six weeks and it’s great to see them back in form.
“That was tight for comfort, but it was a tough performance, and the main thing is he won.
“We might think about something like the National Trial back here.”
Chloe Kelly and Nikita Parris have backed their England team-mates to recover from the gut-wrenching disappointment of missing out on a chance of featuring at the Olympic Games in 2024.
The Lionesses lifted the Euro 2022 trophy and reached the final of the Women's World Cup a year later, but there was no fairytale ending to their Women's Nations League story.
Sarina Wiegman's European champions hammered Scotland 6-0 in their last fixture in Group A1 this month, but the Netherlands' 4-0 win over Belgium saw them top the standings.
Had Olympic qualification been determined by World Cup placings, Team GB would have qualified thanks to their nominated representative England making the final, losing 1-0 to Spain.
However, the new Nations League competition dictates who will travel to Paris next year and Germany, Spain and the Netherlands will now battle for two of three spots alongside hosts France.
Manchester City star Kelly, speaking at the launch of the first ever Panini Barclays Women's Super League sticker collection at the National Football Museum, said: "I think it is the way we bounce back from those losses, I think we can learn a lot from the whole duration of that Nations League.
"Being more consistent throughout the tournament because we left it to the last two games and we cut ourselves short.
"We are a great side and it is about getting some rest now, recovering and going again."
While there will be no Olympic dream for Wiegman and her England players, another European Championship campaign will follow in Switzerland in 2025.
Owing to the difficult task of qualifying for the Games, Parris echoed Kelly's message as she insisted the Lionesses will come back stronger.
Parris added: "It was a disappointment, fine margins, especially when in the Nations League, top teams are playing against each other.
"You do want that competition and it's such a hard route to go to the Olympics for the European sides, but for sure the girls will be super disappointed about the results and not going to the Olympics in 2024.
"The bounce back will be very quick, however. The focus will then go to the Euros and I'm sure everyone is raring and ready to go for the next games."
Former England goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis acknowledged the Lionesses' "failure" but assured Wiegman will use the experience as a learning curve.
Brown-Finnis said: "It's an unusual one, not qualifying for the Olympics, it comes off the back of a Covid-postponed European Championships.
"Obviously we went on and won that one on home soil, so it's a congested fixture period and I'm not making excuses for the failure because all those players desperately wanted to be at the Olympics.
"It's what every national team in women's football aspires to do, to play in their continental championships, the World Cup and the Olympics, one year off and repeat.
"So it's a failure, absolutely, but it didn't happen on the last day against Scotland, it happened in the previous games.
"They'll come back, they'll have the summer off, which I think will definitely be a benefit, and Sarina Weigman, she'll learn from it, she'll learn what her players need.
"She's only two years into her tenure and what a success… she has been unbelievable, so I hope she sticks around for a long time and brings more success to the Lionesses."
Luton captain Tom Lockyer has thanked the heroes that saved his life after suffering a cardiac arrest at Bournemouth earlier this month.
The 29-year-old collapsed in the 59th minute of the Premier League clash at Vitality Stadium, resulting in the December 16 fixture being abandoned.
Lockyer suffered a cardiac arrest and was discharged from hospital five days later following a successful procedure to fit an implantable cardioverter defibrillator.
The Welshman made his first comments since the incident via his Instagram account on New Year’s Eve, providing an update on his well-being and expressing gratitude to all those that helped.
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“I would just like to say that I am doing very well and feeling very much myself after the cardiac arrest I suffered in Bournemouth,” Lockyer said.
“The reason I’m doing so well is all down to the heroic actions of the players, staff, doctors and paramedics.
“I feel thankful that this happened to me surrounded by these heroes. They saved my life. I will never forget what you did for me.”
Concerns over Lockyer’s health had been heightened after he collapsed during May’s Championship play-off final victory over Coventry, leading him to undergo surgery to correct an atrial fibrillation.
The defender returned to action for the start of the new season and the Wales international highlighted 10 people for particular praise after suffering a cardiac arrest.
Lockyer named Phil Ballett, Abbey Clark, Dean Fernee and Adam Todhunter, along with Dr Craig Roberts, Dr Mufeed Ni’man and Bournemouth midfielder Philip Billing.
Simon Parsell, Chris Phillips and Dr Amos Ogunkoya were other included on the front image of an Instagram post featuring a lengthy caption.
“While I’m sad not to be involved, I feel full of pride watching the boys carry on the battle without me,” Lockyer said, having seen Luton beat Newcastle and Sheffield United before losing 3-2 at home to Chelsea on Saturday.
“The fighting spirit I’ve seen in the last three games has given me a much needed lift.
“I will be doing whatever I can in whichever ways are possible to help the gaffer and the club. In what capacity that is remains to be decided as I’m due to meet with specialists in the new year.
“I cannot stress enough how important it is for as many people as possible to know CPR. It literally saves lives, like mine.
“Please check out the British Heart Foundation website for basics or get yourself on a course. You just never know when you might need it.
“I have been overwhelmed by the support that I have received and thank you all for your messages, letters, gifts and well wishes. Seeing the banners at the ground and hearing my name being sung really did mean a lot to me and my family.
“Finally I would like to thank Bournemouth, Gary Sweet, Rob Edwards and Luton Town for the support they’ve given my family during this time.
“I hope that everyone has a very Happy New Year and best wishes for 2024.”
Douglas Luiz says Aston Villa’s happy camp must keep going after the “important” win over Burnley that rounded off their impressive 2023.
The Brazilian midfielder secured the three points with an 89th-minute penalty as Unai Emery’s side beat the Clarets 3-2 in Saturday’s Premier League contest at Villa Park.
A return to winning ways after a draw against Sheffield United on December 22 and Boxing Day loss at Manchester United, it saw them move up to second, level on points with leaders Liverpool.
It was their 26th league win of 2023 and a club-record 32nd victory in all competitions across the calendar year, and Luiz said in quotes on Villa’s official website: “Everyone is so happy.
“We believe in the group, we believe in Unai and we know he has so much experience. Everyone is happy and we need to keep going and continue.”
Villa were ahead at half-time after Leon Bailey and Moussa Diaby scored either side Zeki Amdouni’s equaliser.
Burnley were then reduced to 10 men by Sander Berge’s 52nd-minute dismissal, but it looked as if it might end up a frustrating afternoon for the hosts as they failed to make the most of a series of chances and Lyle Foster then made it 2-2 on 71 minutes.
Luiz subsequently had the final say via the late spot-kick awarded after a challenge on Jhon Duran by fellow substitute Aaron Ramsey, the former Villa player whose brother Jacob was in the home starting line-up.
Luiz added: “It was so important for us because we didn’t play so well in the last two games. If we can win at home it’s so important for the fans.
“The group is very tired and now we have a few days off to enjoy. There are so many important players who have injuries and it’s hard but you need to keep going.”
Villa are unbeaten in their last 17 home league games, which includes a club-record sequence of winning 15 in a row before the Sheffield United match.
Regarding the efforts of Vincent Kompany’s Burnley, who remained second-bottom, five points adrift of safety, midfielder Josh Brownhill told the club’s official website: “To put on a performance like that here, where they’re excellent and have been doing very well in the league is something that we can be proud about.
“It’s a little bit unlucky that we didn’t come away with anything. There are things we can improve on still, there’s goals that you look back on and there’s things that you could have done to stop them. But we took our chances, to come here and score two is not easy.”
Foster’s goal was his first since returning to action this month after an eight-game absence in which he had been receiving care for his mental health.
And Brownhill said: “Everything that he’s been through recently, I can tell that goal meant a lot to him and for us as players. Hopefully that form can continue for him because he put out a really good shift.”
A trip to the Dublin Racing Festival could be on the agenda for Triumph Hurdle favourite Burdett Road after missing out on an intended engagement at Chepstow over the Christmas period.
A Royal Ascot winner on the Flat when trained by Michael Bell, the three-year-old has made a smooth transition to hurdling and followed up a taking jumps debut at Huntingdon with a taking display at Cheltenham in November.
That saw the gelding installed as most bookmakers’ market leader for the juvenile showpiece on the final day of the Cheltenham Festival and he was due to continue his hurdling education in Chepstow’s Finale Juvenile Hurdle.
However, significant rainfall turned conditions severely testing at the South Wales track, with James Owen deciding to save his high-class operator for another day.
A return to Prestbury Park on Cheltenham Trials Day and a trip to Leopardstown’s Grade One Spring Juvenile Hurdle are top of the possible alternatives.
Owen said: “The horse comes first. It would have been nice to run, but there are plenty of other options. He’s in great order and I couldn’t be happier with him.
“He will either go to Cheltenham on Trials Day and he will also have an entry for Leopardstown in early February, the Spring Juvenile Hurdle.
“We will just pick the most suitable option. We would like to run him once more before the Triumph and timing wise these two races are really good.”
On the chance of Burdett Road being a rare Leopardstown raider from the UK, he added: “It’s an option and we’ve talked about it.
“It’s an early closer, it’s very good prize-money and he doesn’t get a penalty in it. It’s an option we want to have and we will decide nearer the time.
“It’s six weeks out from Cheltenham, so would give us plenty of time.”
A run at either Cheltenham or Leopardstown would give Burdett Road the chance to consolidate his position at the top of the Triumph Hurdle market after both Nicky Henderson’s Sir Gino and the Willie Mullins-trained Bunting laid down their claims over Christmas.
Chepstow’s Grade Two was won by Gary Moore’s Salver, who flourished in the gruelling conditions and Owen was more than happy to watch on from the side as Burdett Road skipped that contest.
“We were there and it’s a shame the ground went as it did and we just felt we didn’t need to run him on the testing ground,” said Owen.
“He doesn’t have a lot to prove, we know he’s a good horse and he just needs another run going into the race (Triumph) – and unfortunately that wasn’t the day for it.
“It’s a shame, as looking at the forecast it looked like we would get away with it and they were calling the ground good to soft. But they did get a deluge.”
Connections of Marie’s Rock are anticipating a blockbuster showdown with Bob Olinger when their star mare defends her Dornan Engineering Relkeel Hurdle title at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day
Nicky Henderson’s Cheltenham Festival scorer has always shown a liking to the Prestbury Park undulations and won this contest in real style 12 months ago.
However, the Middleham Park Racing-owned Marie’s Rock will have to pass a stern test if she is to retain her crown, as a strong cast of four have assembled for the Group Two feature of Cheltenham’s opening meeting of 2024.
“It’s a bit of a different race this year and it’s a very good field,” said Middleham Park’s National Hunt racing manager Tom Palin.
“Olly (Murphy) has two in there and it’s a tried-and-tested route for Brewin’upastorm, while his other runner, Strong Leader, is an interesting edition.
“Bob Olinger though, he is a class horse over many years, and he is one I would be extremely respectful and worried about. He sets the standard really and on his going day this is very much is perfect race for him. But then again, Marie’s Rock is the defending queen, if you will.
“It will be a hell of a battle up that hill between ourselves and Bob Olinger. I’m extremely looking forward to watching that unfold – it should be a premier race for the first premier fixture and hopefully we are on the right side of it.”
Marie’s Rock was last seen failing to truly stay three miles for a second time on reappearance at Newbury.
She now returns to the distance her best performances have come at despite her team still harbouring staying ambitions for the future
“There is a bit of discussion about which trip is her optimum,” continued Palin.
“We know she is very good over two and a half at Cheltenham and as I’ve said before, this is very much to make sure she is absolute spot on fitness wise and built up as much fizz and freshness as we can before we go up to three miles with her again next time and that should answer the trip question once and for all.
“That isn’t to say this is some kind of three-mile prep race. She’s very much here with her best foot forward. It is Marie’s Rock playing at home and we would love to get the year off to a flying start the same way as we did last year.
“When you see four runners I was extremely worried about what could be a lack of pace. But I think Strong Leader will be the one that goes forward – they might switch it up and send Brewin’upastorm on – but we will just take a bit of a lead off whoever, get her switched off and into a rhythm.
“When she is relaxed and travelling she is electric over her hurdles. She is in her comfort zone then and a joy to watch.”
There will also be a change of jockey on Marie’s Rock with the sidelined Nico de Boinville replaced by Seven Barrows number two, the in-form James Bowen.
“Myself and Nicky both think James could be a good fit for her with the way he rides,” added Palin.
“He just drops his hands and lets them travel, so I think she could be a good horse for James to ride actually.
“I’m quite excited and it’s unfortunate what has happened to Nico, but it will be interesting to see James ride her and that could be a good fit and hopefully the pace will be strong enough for her to relax, get into a good rhythm, angle off that bend and away we go.”
Marie’s Rock’s Relkeel rival Bob Olinger needs no introduction, especially at Cheltenham, and Henry de Bromhead’s two-time Festival hero appeared back to near his imperious best when snatching the Lismullen Hurdle in November.
De Bromhead has swerved possible outings on home soil to stay at two and a half miles for this raiding mission and his regular pilot Rachael Blackmore foregoes the New Year’s Day meetings at Fairyhouse and Tramore to come over for steering duties.
She told Betfair: “I’m looking forward too to riding Bob Olinger. We were delighted to see him back at Navan the last day, he did really well, he battled on strongly to get the better of Zanahiyr and win the Lismullen Hurdle.
“He came out of the race really well, so hopefully he can build on that now. We know that he goes well at the track, and this extended two and a half miles is a good distance for him.
“It’s only a four-horse race, but it’s a competitive race, and we have to give 7lb to Marie’s Rock, who won the Mares’ Hurdle at the 2022 Cheltenham Festival and who won this race last year. But Bob is in great form, and I hope that he can go well.”
The select quartet is complete by Olly Murphy’s aforementioned duo Brewin’upastorm and Strong Leader, with the former a regular in this race and the latter a good second when upped in distance at Ascot last time.
Of Strong Leader, Murphy said: “He had a good run at Ascot, and I think the outer track at Cheltenham will suit him. He seems in good form, and he is still relatively unexposed. I’m hoping that he has a good each-way chance.
“He was still quite green at Ascot and appeared to appreciate the step up in trip, we thought we would do that after his run in the Welsh Champion Hurdle.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if he wants further in time. I’d say we could probably look at going up in trip in the spring, but it would be nice to win a good pot over two and a half miles with him first.
“He was a good novice hurdler, and he was the first of the British-trained horses home in the Supreme last season.
“It was good to see him come out and run so well at Ascot. He is rated in the mid-140s now and hopefully with time he can improve on that mark.”
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