Irish Arkle likely to be next target for Ferny Hollow

Ashley Iveson
December 27, 2021 12:19 pm

Connections were thrilled with Leopardstown victory.

The Irish Arkle is likely to be next on the agenda for Ferny Hollow after he starred in a double for Cheveley Park Stud on the opening day of the Christmas Festival at Leopardstown.

The Willie Mullins-trained six-year-old beat esteemed stablemate Appreciate It in the Champion Bumper and got the better of Bob Olinger in a maiden hurdle in 2020, but missed much of last season through injury.

He made a winning on his return to action and chasing debut at Punchestown earlier in the month and followed up in the Grade One Racing Post Novice Chase.

⭐️ Ferny Hollow – Grade One winner over fences at @LeopardstownRC, @WillieMullinsNH, @PTownend & @CPStudOfficial
🏇 Seven runs🥇 Four wins🏆 G1 Racing Post Novice Chase🏆 G1 Champion Bumper 💷 GBP 300,000 purchase✅ Unbeaten over the larger obstacles pic.twitter.com/vHmTZu84zG
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) December 26, 2021

Cheveley Park director Richard Thompson said: “As Willie said afterwards, Ferny Hollow was exceptional on the day.

“To be off the track for over a year, come back and win and then come out three weeks later and win a Grade One – giving 13lb to a very good filly (Riviere D’etel)- was fantastic.

“I have to admit I thought he was going to get beaten at one stage, but he really pulled it out.

“In the short term I think we’ll be looking towards the Irish Arkle at the Dublin Racing Festival.”

Sir Gerhard in the clear at Leopardstown (Niall Carson/PA)

Thompson was also delighted to see last season’s Champion Bumper hero Sir Gerhard make a successful start to his hurdling career on the same Leopardstown card.

He looks set to step up to Grade One level sooner rather than later.

“He looked a class act, didn’t he,” Thompson added.

“I think we’ll be looking towards the Dublin Racing Festival with him as well.”