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The Reverend's Hurdles Debut Hinges on Final Schooling Session
21 Dec
Summary
- The Reverend's hurdling debut depends on a final schooling session.
- Owned by Tony Bloom, the horse previously raced successfully on the Flat.
- Connections aim to assess hurdling potential before a major Flat campaign.
A key schooling session will determine if The Reverend makes his hurdling debut at Leopardstown on December 26. The four-year-old, owned by Brighton & Hove Albion supremo Tony Bloom, previously achieved a rating of 102 on the Flat under trainer William Haggas. Switched to Willie Mullins for a potential hurdles career, he is entered in the TRI Equestrian Maiden Hurdle, a race won by notable horses in previous years.
Despite the potential for a hurdles campaign, connections are keeping options open. Sean Graham, Bloom's racing manager, stated that The Reverend will undergo another schooling session. If successful, there's a good chance he will run. This maiden hurdle is known to be competitive, often requiring a horse of graded-race quality to succeed.
Connections are eager to see how The Reverend performs over obstacles sooner rather than later. However, his established prowess on the Flat means a return to valuable summer events, such as the Ebor Handicap, is a strong consideration. The team will re-evaluate his future in hurdling if his Leopardstown run is not promising, given his significant Flat racing credentials.
