Elliott raises exciting new option for Brighterdaysahead

Gordon Elliott says it is “not impossible” star mare Brighterdaysahead could be supplemented for the December Hurdle at Leopardstown.

The six-year-old was a sensational 30-length winner of the Grade One contest 12 months ago, but having disappointed in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham and at Punchestown in the spring, she looked set to pursue a career over fences this season.

However, with a couple of minor setbacks delaying her intended chasing debut, Elliott is now giving some thought to sticking to the smaller obstacles, potentially teeing up a fascinating clash with the Willie Mullins-trained Lossiemouth over the festive period.

Speaking at Cork on Sunday, the Cullentra handler told Racing TV: “Obviously it’s not ideal to be going jumping fences at Christmas when half the season is gone, but she’s in good form at home and is going to work this week.

“It’s not impossible that she could be supplemented for the two-mile race in Leopardstown. You see William Munny coming out of it yesterday, it’s definitely cutting up and they say you should never be afraid of one horse.

“Obviously I’ll have to discuss it with Michael and Eddie (O’Leary, of Gigginstown House Stud). I didn’t enter her in the race because I thought at the time we were going chasing, but it wouldn’t be a shock if she was supplemented.

“Whether we go chasing or stay over hurdles, I’m not sure. If you asked me two or three weeks ago I’d have said definitely chasing, but just with the way the race is cutting up you never know.”