Brighterdaysahead produced a sensational show to once more take the scalp of State Man within the Neville Lodges Hurdle at Leopardstown.
Gordon Elliott’s mare inflicted a shock defeat on the Willie Mullins-trained State Man within the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown final month, the latter’s first defeat since chasing residence Structure Hill within the 2023 Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.
State Man, who in Structure Hill’s absence claimed Champion Hurdle glory final season, was the 4/9 favorite to show the tables in a race he had landed in every of the previous two seasons, however was unable to put a glove on Brighterdaysahead in a captivating affair.
From the off the race was dominated by Elliott, with King Of Kingsfield and Brighterdaysahead shortly opening up an enormous benefit over State Man and the rest of the sphere.
It was clear on the run to the second flight from the end that State Man would wrestle to bridge the hole, with 5/2 shot Brighterdaysahead taking up from her stablemate earlier than straightening up for residence in splendid isolation.
Gordon Elliott celebrated his a centesimal Grade One winner
She was slightly untidy on the ultimate impediment, however it mattered not as she coasted to a hugely-impressive 30-length verdict, with 66/1 shot Winter Fog coming by way of to beat State Man to second.
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