BRIGHTERDAYSAHEAD claimed an astonishing win against Champion Hurdle titleholder State Man in the remarkable Neville Hotels Hurdle, leaving many bettors discontented with the ‘poor’ strategies employed at the outset.

It seemed that Paul Townend was caught off guard as Sam Ewing on the victor and Danny Gilligan on the leading horse King Of Kingsfield raced ahead.

Many bettors believed Paul Townend was startled on State Man, shown in yellow and black silks at the back, while Brighterdaysahead accelerated at the start, maintaining a strong lead that resulted in an impressive 30-length win

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Many bettors believed Paul Townend was startled on State Man, shown in yellow and black silks at the back, while Brighterdaysahead accelerated at the start – maintaining a strong lead that resulted in a remarkable 30-length victory
The winner and the frontrunner were clearly ahead by the time they navigated the first jump

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The winner and the frontrunner were far ahead by the time they navigated the first jump

This left the other six competitors, including State Man, trailing significantly from the beginning.

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That gap proved unbridgeable, with Gordon Elliott’s remarkable mare finishing an astounding 30 lengths ahead of 66-1 longshot Winter Fog.

State Man, the 4-9 favorite, appeared lethargic and failed to find his rhythm.

Brighterdaysahead, who had earlier triumphed over State Man in the Morgiana, reaffirmed that performance with overwhelming prowess, starting at 5-2.

This outcome was particularly sobering for Patrick Mullins, who had previously expressed confidence in his father’s horse.

Leading up to the Grade 1 at Leopardstown, Patrick stated: “Brighterdaysahead is an exceptional mare, even better than I initially perceived, with much appreciation to Gordon and Jack (Kennedy) for their unwavering support.”

“But I’m fully backing State Man this time.”

“Whatever funds are required for Santa, whatever the holiday dinner expenses, put it all on State Man.”

“Returning to Leopardstown after a prior run, I believe he’ll rise back to the occasion.”

Commenting on the strategies employed by the Elliott team from the start, one bettor remarked: “Brighterdaysahead is a phenomenal mare, but why did Mullins allow them to gain such an early lead?”

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Another commented: “Once they shot out 10-15 lengths ahead, the outcome seemed practically certain unless she fell.”

“It’s obvious State Man isn’t the same horse anymore, but did Townend genuinely think Brighterdaysahead would fall back to him given her significant speed?”

“Poor tactics.”

Brighterdaysahead’s odds dropped to as low as 7-2 from 20-1 for the Champion Hurdle, while the reinvigorated Constitution Hill became the 4-7 favorite.

However, much to the disappointment of many, Elliott subsequently announced they intend to proceed with their plan to compete in the Mares Hurdle.

Initially, betting markets were in a frenzy as Paddy Power held odds of 11-4 following Elliott’s remarks but were quickly adjusted to 7-4.

Brighterdaysahead may face Lossiemouth in the Mares, despite Mullins recently suggesting they might also target the Champion Hurdle for a rematch with Constitution Hill.

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