The 42

BRIGHTERDAYSAHEAD PRODUCED a sensational display to again take the scalp of State Man in the Neville Hotels Hurdle at Leopardstown.

Gordon Elliott’s mare inflicted a surprise defeat on the Willie Mullins-trained State Man in the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown last month, the latter’s first defeat since chasing home Constitution Hill in the 2023 Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.

State Man, who in Constitution Hill’s absence claimed Champion Hurdle glory last season, was the 4-9 favourite to turn the tables in a race he had landed in each of the past two seasons but was unable to lay a glove on Brighterdaysahead in a fascinating affair.

From the off the race was dominated by Elliott, with King Of Kingsfield and Brighterdaysahead quickly opening up a big advantage over State Man and the remainder of the field.

It was clear on the run to the second flight from the finish that State Man would struggle to bridge the gap, with 5-2 shot Brighterdaysahead taking over from her stablemate before straightening up for home in splendid isolation.

She was a little untidy at the final obstacle, but it mattered not as she coasted to a hugely impressive 30-length verdict, with 66-1 shot Winter Fog coming through to beat State Man to second.

Daryl Jacob finishes down the field aboard Mr Percy on his final ride as Al Gasparo is tough out in front in an all-the-way success for @conorstonewalsh and @gavincromwell1 pic.twitter.com/emKVAfE4YL

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) December 29, 2024

Meanwhile, Daryl Jacob brought the curtain down on his illustrious riding career by finishing down the field aboard Mr Percy in the Neville Hotels Premier Handicap Hurdle at Leopardstown.

The 41-year-old announced his retirement after steering the Willie Mullins-trained Impaire Et Passe to Grade One glory in the Faugheen Novice Chase at Limerick on Saturday, confirming that his solitary ride on the fourth and final day of Leopardstown’s Christmas Festival would be his last.

Mr Percy, who carries the familiar colours of the rider’s retaining owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, was a 15-2 shot to give him a fairytale send-off but was unable to get involved, passing the post 12th of 18 finishers.

Nevertheless, having suffered more than his fair share of injuries – only recently returning from his latest spell on the sidelines – Jacob was delighted to go out on his terms at a track where he enjoyed his first top-level triumph aboard The Listener in the Lexus Chase at this meeting 18 years ago.

Written by Press Association and originally published on The 42 whose award-winning team produces original content that you won’t find anywhere else.

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