Brighterdaysahead announces herself as a real top-notch performer when seeing off current champion State Man in a thrilling Unibet Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown.
The mare, who is trained by Gordon Elliott and owned by Gigginstown House Stud, had been defeated only once prior to lining up as a 9-4 chance for the Grade One under Jack Kennedy.
Willie Mullins’ ever-reliable State Man, who was bidding for this third success in the race, was the 4-9 favourite under Paul Townend and was largely thought to have only the sole mare in the field to beat to take the treble in the absence of Lossiemouth.
Brighterdaysahead immediately put her hand up as a contender when taking up the running and having led the way throughout, she was joined by State Man on the run to the final flight.
State Man briefly hit the front but she was not discouraged, however, and put her head down to accelerate again and prevail by three quarters of a length on the line with the third-placed Winter Fog a further 13 lengths behind.
The winner is now a 4-1 chance from 14-1 for the Champion Hurdle with Betfair, in what has been a tumultuous week for ante-post punters. Losseimouth, who was ruled a non-runner in this race in the morning, is now favourite for the Champion Hurdle despite staying in her box!
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