Willie Mullins will be responsible for half of the field when saddling six runners in the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and hopes are predictably high for a record-extending eighth success in the Cheltenham Festival curtain raiser.
The Closutton maestro first struck with Tourist Attraction way back in 1995 and has since prevailed with Ebaziyan, Champagne Fever, Vautour, Douvan, Klassical Dream and Appreciate It.
This year’s challenge is expected to be headed by Tullyhill, who was beaten at long odds-on when making his jumping debut in late November but has since posted a couple of impressive victories.
Mystical Power, a son of the great Galileo and former Champion Hurdle star Annie Power, is also at the head of the betting after winning the Grade Two Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle at Punchestown by seven lengths.
French import Mistergif romped home by 18 lengths on his first start for Mullins at Limerick, while outsiders Asian Master, Gold Dancer and Supersundae complete the strong stable squad.
“I’m very happy with how all the team have travelled and arrived here, they’re all in good order,” said Mullins.
“Tullyhill disappointed with his jumping on his first run, but we got that sorted out and now he’s showing his true colours.
“Mystical Power has surprised us, his pedigree is starting to come out. At home, he doesn’t show that sort of form, but when he gets to the racetrack he’s a different beast.
“I just thought after what he’s shown us on the track, it was an easy decision to go for the two-mile race.”
A powerful raiding party from Ireland is further bolstered by Gordon Elliott’s Firefox, who was below par in Grade One company at Naas last time out but had previously enjoyed smooth successes at Down Royal and Fairyhouse, where he notably got the better of Ballyburn.
Elliott said: “I think the trip will suit him, he looks in good form and we’re very happy with him.
“He was obviously disappointing the last day, but you can put a line through that – he didn’t scope right and was lame after the race. He’s in good form now and we’re looking forward to running him.”
Henry de Bromhead sends over Navan Grade Two scorer Slade Steel and has opted to go for this two-mile contest in order to avoid facing last month’s Leopardstown conqueror Ballyburn.
“He’s done little wrong, we’re happy with him and he seems in good form,” commented the Waterford trainer.
“He seems pretty adaptable (trip-wise) and I suppose Ballyburn has beaten us a couple of times, so we said we’d take that view (of avoiding another clash) and that’s what we’re doing.”
Jeriko Du Reponet is rated the most likely home winner, with Nicky Henderson seeking to strike for the third time in five years after recent triumphs for Shishkin and Constitution Hill.
This five-year-old attracted strong ante-post support following two facile victories at Newbury and retained his unbeaten status when seeing off subsequent Dovecote scorer Lump Sum in the rearranged Rossington Main Novices’ Hurdle at Doncaster, albeit in a more workmanlike manner.
Henderson told Unibet: “He is unbeaten and ever since he arrived at Seven Barrows, this race was always where we wanted to end up.
“While he may not have looked visually impressive at Doncaster last time, the race wasn’t run to suit, but has subsequently worked out very well – and there is likely to be much more pace on here, which will play to his strengths.
“Obviously, the Irish squad will be very hard to beat, but I rather fear Jeriko may be the slightly forgotten horse and I’m very much looking forward to it.”
Ben Pauling’s Tellherthename bounced back from being pulled up on testing ground at Aintree over Christmas by securing a 14-length success at Huntingdon and connections insist he is not heading to Cheltenham just to make up the numbers.
“I’ve been delighted with him and we’re very excited,” said Pauling. “Touch wood and fingers crossed, we’ve got him there in great form and his preparations have gone well to date.
“He schooled well last Thursday and it’s just exciting to have one in the Supreme with a chance.”
Favour And Fortune has some solid form in the book, prevailing at Hereford and Wetherby before chasing home Jango Baie in the Grade One Formby Novices’ Hurdle at Liverpool and then finishing a close second to Mullins raider Fun Fun Fun at Exeter, although Alan King would rather be racing on a sounder surface.
He said: “I would prefer it if the rain didn’t arrive. He will be a much better horse on better ground. I promise you, the more the ground dries, the better his chance will be.
“I’m amazed he has done as well on the ground we have raced him on the last twice and Aintree was very tough and the same at Exeter. He’s such a good-actioned horse and he’s running well despite the ground.
“I bet he’s a 10lb better horse on decent ground – it was good to firm on his hurdles debut at Hereford and he loved that. I think it’s his class that keeps him in it on the testing ground.”
The field is completed by Irish longshot Kings Hill, who picked up a Thurles maiden win for Galway handler Paul Gilligan last month.
iPrint joins forces with SVREL as Billboard Advertising Partner for Mouttet Mile 2024
iPrint is the latest corporate entity to signal its support for 2024 Mouttet Mile by coming onboard as the official billboard advertising partner for the event.
The partnership will see iPrint amplifying the event’s visibility with a series of impactful promotional displays on its traditional and electronic billboards across Kingston and St. Catherine.
“We’re proud to welcome iPrint on board as our advertising partner for the Mouttet Mile. Their expertise in outdoor advertising brings significant visibility and will help to raise public awareness and excitement for the event. We know their placements will reach thousands of potential attendees and will increase the anticipation and excitement for Jamaica’s premier racing event across key areas in Kingston and St. Catherine,” Aswanda Stoddart, SVREL AVP Administration, said.
iPrint’s involvement demonstrates its commitment to supporting Jamaica’s vibrant sports and entertainment scene and aligns with the company’s dedication to innovative advertising solutions that engage the community and bring high-profile events to the forefront.
“The efforts of SVREL in organizing and delivering this exceptional event, which not only elevates the profile of sports in Jamaica but also garners global attention through live broadcasts, are truly commendable,” said Mark Haddad, Sales Director at iprint Group of Companies.
“Supporting the Mouttet Mile aligns perfectly with the vision of enhancing and showcasing Brand Jamaica on the world stage. By collaborating with this diverse and prestigious event, we have a unique opportunity to amplify Jamaica’s cultural and sporting legacy. It is only fitting that we pledge our continued support to ensure the sustained success of the Mouttet Mile for many years to come, further solidifying Jamaica’s reputation as a hub of excellence and innovation,” he added.
SVREL and iPrint look forward to a successful collaboration that brings even more excitement to this year’s Mouttet Mile set for December 7 at Caymanas Park.
SVREL chairman calls for urgent reforms in stewarding after Heroes’ Day disruption at Caymanas Park
Following an internal investigation by Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL), significant gaps in training have been identified, leading to stewarding practices at Caymanas Park falling short of international standards. As a result, SVREL Executive Chairman Solomon Sharpe has called for urgent intervention from the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service to address these issues and ensure the future integrity of horse racing in Jamaica.
The investigation was prompted after the Heroes’ Day race meet at Caymanas Park was abandoned on Monday, October 21, 2024. A group of punters reacted violently to the stewards’ decision in Race 2, leading to the event’s cancellation for safety reasons. Sharpe stressed that the current state of officiating is not up to par for a racing jurisdiction aspiring to world-class status.
“Our internal investigation has identified significant training gaps that have resulted in local stewarding practices falling short of international standards,” Sharpe said. He explained that while SVREL provides the facilities for racing, the stewards' oversight falls under the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC), a government-appointed body. Sharpe believes this disparity between local and international standards must be addressed immediately.
In his statement, Sharpe emphasized that improving stewarding standards is critical for the growth of horse racing in Jamaica. He called for the implementation of mandatory certification programs for stewards, ensuring that they are properly trained to handle the complexities of modern racing. He also advocated for regular assessments and retraining of officials to maintain a high level of competence and consistency in their decision-making.
Sharpe further stressed the need for clear accountability frameworks to be established, so that all decisions made by stewards are transparent and based on consistent, well-defined criteria. This, he believes, would help avoid situations like the one on Heroes’ Day, where the lack of clarity led to confusion and frustration among punters. Moreover, Sharpe called for the introduction of an independent appeals mechanism that would allow for the review of stewarding decisions, ensuring fairness and trust in the system.
Sharpe explained that these reforms are essential to creating a level playing field and restoring confidence in the integrity of horse racing at Caymanas Park. He expressed frustration that despite previous discussions with the JRC about the need for improved officiating, little progress has been made.
The incident on Heroes’ Day, which caused significant financial losses estimated at over JMD$70 million, underscored the importance of addressing these issues urgently. While Sharpe acknowledged the passion of racing fans, he firmly condemned the violent behaviour that followed the stewards' decision, stating that it endangered lives and tarnished the reputation of the sport. "While we value our patrons' enthusiasm, any expression of discontent must remain within acceptable bounds of sporting behaviour,” he asserted.
Sharpe also expressed disappointment with the lack of response from industry stakeholders following the incident. He pointed out that many who are typically vocal about SVREL’s operations have remained silent on this serious breach of sporting conduct. He called on all stakeholders to take equal responsibility for the sport’s integrity and to advocate for improvements in officiating and the overall management of races.
“The growth and sustainability of horse racing in Jamaica require more than just infrastructure investment and promotional efforts,” Sharpe said. “It demands the consistent application of international best practices across all aspects of racing.”
SVREL remains committed to modernizing Caymanas Park and advancing Jamaican horse racing. However, Sharpe made it clear that this vision can only be achieved through collective responsibility, with all stakeholders playing an active role in improving the industry’s standards and holding each other accountable.
“The time has come for all stakeholders to demonstrate their commitment to the industry's growth not merely through words, but through actions, consistent engagement, and a willingness to address difficult issues head-on,” Sharpe concluded.
SVREL apologizes for disruption and cancellation of Heroes' Day Race Meet at Caymanas Park
Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL) has issued an apology to its customers and stakeholders following the cancellation of Monday’s Heroes' Day race meet at Caymanas Park. The cancellation came after a series of disruptions stemming from the disqualification of the first-place finisher in Race 2, which caused unrest among some punters at the track.
In a statement, SVREL explained the incident: "On Monday, October 21, 2024, a series of unfortunate events led to the disruption and subsequent cancellation of races at Caymanas Park by the Jamaica Racing Commission Stewards."
The unrest began when the stewards' decision in Race 2 led to the disqualification of the initial winner. Displeased with the result, some punters expressed their dissatisfaction by throwing debris, creating an unsafe environment for patrons, participants, and horses.
"After the announcement of the race results, some punters became agitated and expressed their dissatisfaction in a manner that compromised the safety and security of all present. This included the throwing of debris across the Park, creating an unsafe environment for patrons, participants, and horses alike," the statement continued.
As the situation grew more volatile, trainers began voicing concerns for their safety, leading to the cancellation of subsequent races.
"In light of this development and prioritizing the safety of the horses, horsemen, punters, and all attendees, the stewards made the decision to abandon race 4 and subsequently, the entire race meet for the day," SVREL said.
The company further emphasized that security personnel, supported by the police, were working to manage the situation and prevent any further escalation.
SVREL concluded by offering a formal apology for the inconvenience caused: "Supreme Ventures Racing & Entertainment Limited, the operator of Caymanas Park, extends our sincerest apologies to our valued customers and stakeholders for the inconvenience caused by the abandonment of the race meet."
The company reiterated its commitment to the safety of all involved in the sport, while promising to address the issues that led to the disruption.
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