Dysart Enos, the impressive mare from Fergal O'Brien's stable, is set to return in the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham this November. Her unbeaten record in bumpers and promising hurdling start heighten anticipation.
Dysart Enos, Fergal O'Brien's much-admired mare, is set to begin her season in the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham this November. As the daughter of Malinas, she has proven her talent with an undefeated record in three bumper races, concluding with a Grade Two win at Aintree, where she secured a nine-length victory over Jeremy Scott's Golden Ace.
In the previous season, Dysart Enos began her hurdling career on a strong note by achieving three impressive victories in competitive novice events. These successes positioned her as a strong candidate for the Ryanair Mares' Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. However, a minor injury disrupted her plans, allowing her former rival Golden Ace to claim the Festival title and further affirm her potential with a Listed-level win in her subsequent race at the same venue.
Dysart Enos had to sit out the rest of the season when her planned race at Aintree for the Top Novices' Hurdle was called off because of challenging ground conditions. After a well-earned summer break, O'Brien reports that the mare has performed excellently in the pre-season, paving the way for her expected return.
"She's fine, she's working very well. I've been very pleased with her since she came back, and we're hopefully planning to start her in the Greatwood," O'Brien stated. He admitted past challenges, saying, "That said, I did plan to run her in the Mares' Hurdle last year, and that didn't work out!"
O'Brien is focused on the Greatwood, aiming for a successful comeback. 'For now, we're concentrating on the Greatwood. We'll head there and then decide our next move. Whether that's increasing the distance, competing against mares and fillies, or something else, we'll take it one race at a time.'
