Skyace to take direct Festival route

Hanlon targeting mares’ novices’ hurdle with £600 purchase.

Shark Hanlon’s bargain buy Skyace is heading straight to the Cheltenham Festival.

The six-year-old mare cost GBP 600 out of Willie Mullins’ yard having failed to win in three bumpers for the champion trainer.

She has thrived since joining Hanlon though, winning four times including a Grade Three at Down Royal and a Listed event at Punchestown under a penalty.

“Skyace is back in about three weeks and is in great form. She will go straight for the (Daylesford) Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham,” said Hanlon.

“She put up between 30 and 40 kilos on her break, which is great. She is much stronger than she was when she went out.

“The boys that own her (the Birdinthehand Syndicate) are all in Dubai and are very excited. It’s a dream for them and that syndicate. I’ve sold a further five new horses to syndicates involving the lads and their friends out there.

“To buy a horse for GBP 600 and go to Cheltenham with a chance is a dream, and I think she has a live chance.”

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Cheltenham Festival Shark Hanlon

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