Supreme Novices Update: Wicklow Brave

To suggest Wicklow Brave has come into the Supreme reckoning under the radar may be unfair to those who I know had marked him out as a likely candidate for the Festival at an early stage, but unlike so many from Willie Mullins’ Closutton base there has been little in the way of hyperbole surrounding this five-year-old. That could be down to his inability to get off the mark in either of his first two bumpers or he simply lacks what others in the Mullins novice hurdle camp have and as such found himself lower in the pecking order than his racecourse exploits indicate should be the case. Whatever the reason, following Sunday’s display, he will no longer lack admirers and he has put himself firmly into the Cheltenham picture.

Wicklow Brave wasn’t impressive when winning his third bumper start at Galway in July and it was the same story next time at Listowel. Only at Tipperary, where he completed his bumper hat trick, did he hint at the level of ability he has now shown over hurdles. Off an unusually strong pace, he took up the running in effortless fashion at the furlong pole and stayed on well. Two lengths back in second was Western Boy, in receipt of 10lbs, whose high class efforts over hurdles make this win for Wicklow Brave all the more meritorious.

Crucially that was another improved effort from the Beat Hollow gelding and that progression has continued, even accelerated, over obstacles. On hurdling debut at Cork everything came very easily too him. He jumped proficiently and cruised to the front before drawing clear from the last under a motionless Paul Townend. It was a weak race overall but the second was successful at Thurles next time out. Wicklow Brave was keener than had been previously here and when stepped up in class at Punchestown in the Listed Novice Hurdle on Sunday he took an even fiercer grip.

As is often the case with horses fighting for their heads, Wicklow Brave’s jumping was somewhat restricted. While it was far from concerning, his hurdling was more ponderous than ideal. At the second last he was notably slow and, having been right in behind his primary challenger Lieutenant Colonel, he suddenly found himself with a significant deficit to overcome. This was perhaps the most impressive part of this display as he quickened abruptly, with minimal encouragement from his rider (Ruby Walsh), finding himself on terms in the run to the last. The race looked under control as they jumped the final flight but a sloppy error let his Gigginstown owned rival briefly back into it. Earlier exertions fortunately failed to take their toll as, once back on an even keel, he drew away smartly under hands and heels to win by four-and-a-half lengths.

Such a comprehensive defeat of a well-regarded and, surprisingly, well backed opponent is enough to treat Wicklow Brave as a live contender for any Supreme Novices’ Hurdle shortlist. Stablemate Vautour may have beaten Lieutenant Colonel more comfortably at Navan, however he had far more in his favour. Despite running too free and making a horlicks of the last he ran out a ready winner. Facing the stronger pace of a Supreme will undoubtedly suit and improvements in the jumping department are surely forthcoming, if indeed they are necessary.

Bred on the same Beat Hollow, Rainbow Quest cross as 2012 Supreme winner Cinders And Ashes, Wicklow Lad should prove up to the task at Cheltenham. Whether he is quite up to winning a race that competitive is questionable and punters/bookmakers have not missed him. Yet, with all the significant ‘trials’ coming up this weekend he is the sort to be forgotten, particularly if another stablemate wins the Deloitte. Given the upward trajectory of his career so far, any sense of amnesia would be dangerous.