Patrick Neville: ‘He’s prepared well for it and I’m expecting a big run.’
The excitement is palpable in the Patrick Neville camp as The Real Whacker, one of his standout performers, prepares to return to his native Ireland for the prestigious Guinness Kerry National at Listowel this Wednesday. After a season that didn’t quite go to plan, Neville is optimistic that the talented eight-year-old is ready to deliver a memorable performance in a field packed with strong contenders.
Neville, who relocated to Britain in 2019 after spending 15 years honing his craft as a trainer in Ireland, is no stranger to the pressures of racing at the top level. And despite the challenges of last season, he believes his stable star is back to full fitness and ready to show his class.
The Real Whacker with trainer @pnevilleracing ahead of his return to action @CheltenhamRaces on Saturday pic.twitter.com/oNHZccG4Ns
— Ashley Iveson (@AshIveson) November 16, 2023
The Build-Up: Preparing for Listowel
After a tough end to last season, Neville made the decision to bring The Real Whacker back into training a little earlier than anticipated. "We brought him over on Saturday, and he's in great form," Neville revealed ahead of the race. "He was on Beale beach on Sunday morning, riding out, and he even got into the sea water. It’s all about keeping him fresh and happy."
The trainer explained that the horse wasn’t expected to have much action in Britain until later in the year, perhaps November. "We didn’t have a great summer, and I felt sorry for him being out in the field. So we thought, why not bring him back a little earlier and target Listowel?" It’s clear that Neville is keen to erase the frustrations of last season, stating, “I've put a line through last year."
The Real Whacker’s Journey: From Maiden Hurdle to Grade One Glory
It’s been a remarkable rise for The Real Whacker since his humble beginnings at the very same Listowel meeting back in 2021. Back then, he finished a distant sixth in a maiden hurdle as a 150-1 outsider. Fast forward to 2023, and this powerful chaser has etched his name into racing folklore.
The horse won his first three starts over fences at Cheltenham, culminating in a stunning Grade One victory at the 2023 Festival over highly rated rival Gerri Colombe. While he couldn’t add to his tally in the competitive open company last season, finishing fourth in the King George and second in the Cotswold Chase, there’s still a feeling that The Real Whacker has more to give.
Neville admits the end of last season was tough, with The Real Whacker being pulled up in the Gold Cup and again failing to perform in the Oaksey Chase at Sandown. However, his optimism is clear: "I'm happy with where he is now. He's prepared well for it, and I'm expecting a big run."
Facing Fierce Competition in Listowel
It won’t be an easy task for The Real Whacker to claim the spoils at Listowel. With a maximum field of 18 runners plus three reserves declared for the race, Neville’s charge is up against some of the finest chasers around. The horse also carries the distinction of being the only British-trained runner in the race.
Among the key rivals is Fakir d’Oudairies, a four-time Grade One winner trained by Joseph O'Brien. The O’Brien team also includes Busselton, the 2022 Kerry National champion. The field features a strong contingent from Irish trainers, including Gordon Elliott, who sends a powerful team of five horses led by Zanahiyr.
Gavin Cromwell, another top Irish trainer, has two major hopes in Flooring Porter and Perceval Legallois. With such a stacked lineup, it’s clear that The Real Whacker will have to be at his absolute best to bring home the trophy.
The Path Forward for The Real Whacker
Despite the depth of competition, Neville's confidence in his horse is unwavering. He’s chosen to focus on the future rather than dwell on the difficulties of last season. "Even when we went down to Sandown on the last day looking for good ground, they were watering it on the Friday, and then the sky opened, and the ground went soft. We just didn’t have any luck."
But racing, as ever, is about moving forward. For The Real Whacker, the Kerry National represents a chance to reignite his campaign and re-establish himself as a top-level chaser. For Patrick Neville, it’s an opportunity to showcase the talent that saw his stable star rise from an unheralded maiden hurdle runner to a Grade One winner at the world-famous Cheltenham Festival.
Neville’s journey from Ireland to Britain and now back to Ireland with The Real Whacker is a full-circle moment. Both trainer and horse have something to prove on Wednesday, and racing fans will be watching closely to see if this talented pair can rekindle their magic and produce a memorable performance.
