Elliott is pitching for more Lawlor’s Of Naas Novice Hurdle glory with Croke Park
Entries have been revealed today for the Grade 1 Lawlor’s Of Naas Novice Hurdle which takes place on Sunday, 7th January 2024.
A highlight of the year at Naas Racecourse, the Lawlor’s Of Naas Novice Hurdle is now well established within the Irish National Hunt season and the 2024 renewal has attracted 23 entries.
Battleoverdoyen, Envoi Allen and Bob Olinger are some of the household names among the past winners of the 2m4f contest with trainer Gordon Elliott unsurprisingly well represented as he targets a fifth win in the race.
Elliott has entered eight horses from his in-form team, while champion trainer Willie Mullins, who won last season’s edition with Champ Kiely, is responsible for 11 of the early acceptors.
All 23 of the entries have graced the winners enclosure previously and Elliott’s team could be spearheaded by the Gigginstown House-owned Croke Park.
Twice successful already over hurdles, Croke Park was a Grade 3 winner at Navan last month and was also a Point to Point winner for Denis Murphy prior to joining the Elliott team.
Elliott said on Thursday: “The Lawlor’s Of Naas Novice Hurdle is a race we really target every year.
“There is a lot of racing over Christmas but this race at Naas is over two and a half miles and we’ll be well represented. We’ve made a good few entries and will split some of the horses up over Christmas but I’d definitely be thinking that Naas could suit Croke Park.
“Croke Park is a horse we really like. He won well at Clonmel and then went to Navan for a Grade 3 over two and a half mile and we couldn’t have asked for anymore. The Lawlor’s Of Naas Novice Hurdle looks the next move for him but I think we’ll have a few runners in the race.
“Firefox is in there after his win at Fairyhouse and is in good form, Search For Glory and Down Memory Lane also have Naas as an option so we’ll see what the next week or so brings.”
Henry de Bromhead could be represented by An Tobar, who has already been placed at Grade 1 level, while the Tom Cooper-trained D Art D Art, Fascile Mode for Tom Mullins and the John Ryan-trained Lucid Dreams also feature.
Among the 11 entries for Willie Mullins are the impressive Thurles winner Daddy Long Legs and three time hurdle winner High Class Hero.
View the entries below here
