Lorna Fowler has revealed Colonel Mustard will tackle fences again this season and is set to return in a Beginners Chase at Down Royal on Friday.
Speaking to the Tote on Tuesday morning, Fowler said: “I wouldn’t have actually ran him last weekend on that heavy ground, so I’m glad they rescheduled.
“The plan is to go there (Down Royal) on Friday, he seems in great form. He’s got a couple of chase runs under his belt, it's going to be a competitive race but it’s time to get the season going and we’ll do our very best.”
Formerly a Grade Two runner-up behind Jonbon, the popular chestnut went on to plac at both the Dublin Racing Festival and Cheltenham Festival as a novice hurdler, but is yet to fire over fences.
Fourth on chasing debut Navan last term before bumping into El Fabiolo on his second start at Fairyhouse, the eight-year-old is set to step up in trip.
Fowler, on his previous experience over fences, said: “Beginners' chase form in Ireland is pretty much guaranteed to be graded form. He’s a very intelligent horse, he’s an exuberant jumper but he’s a neat and careful jumper.”
After defeat to the subsequent Arkle winner Colonel Mustard returned to hurdling, finishing second in the valuable Morebattle hurdle at Kelso before another runner-up effort in the Grade Two Scottish Champion Hurdle.
Furthermore, the son of Makfi signed off with a third placed finish in the Grade One Punchestown Champion hurdle and now holds an official rating of 148.
“We couldn’t have been more proud of him, he had the most amazing season,” said Fowler. “His form is exceptional, Mustard loves the big days - he likes being a star, I hope he can be a star.”
Firmly deserving of his place in the upper echelon of the hurdling sphere, Fowler is confident he can progress further over the larger obstacles. She said: “I think he can, the opposition is very strong but there is less volume.
“I hope I’m right in that two and half miles will suit him very well, he’d be ridden to get the trip but I think it will suit him over fences.”
The plan for the rest of the season will depend on the result of Friday’s chasing bow insists the trainer. Fowler said: “I know people like to plan out their season for their horses but I believe you should let your horse do the talking on the first run, then go from there.
“The handicap option is one route and the graded novice chase route is also there. We aren’t afraid to travel, we never have been.”
Politesse in foal to Blue Bresil
Nine-year-old Politesse, a three-time chase winner, is in foal to popular sire Blue Bresil.
“She is blooming in her pregnancy,” said Fowler. “She’s in foal to Blue Bresil, I think she’s due at the end of January. I am really excited about her having her foal.”
A former bumper winner, the classy mare won the 2022 Tote Connacht National Handicap Chase before signing off her racing career when third in the Grade Three Irish Daily Star.
One to follow out of Rahinston
A small operation in County Meath, Fowler has around 20-30 horses in training and has sited a novice chaser to follow.
“I’m looking forward to Tophill Low going over fences, she’s not young as such but she’ll be going over fences for the first time,” said Fowler.
