Queally relishing the opportunity with his stable stars
Declan Queally on I’ll Sort That celebrates winning The Ballymore Novice Hurdle Grade 1 at Naas. Photo: INPHO/Morgan Treacy
Declan Queally recorded his first Grade One winner when I’ll Sort That claimed the Ballymore Novices Hurdle at Naas back in January, and the West Waterford trainer/jockey is hoping that all falls into place for the six-year-old at the Cheltenham Festival on Wednesday.
A four-time winner over hurdles, the son of Sandmason will be hoping to win on the biggest stage of them all when he lines up in the first race on day two, the Turners Novices Hurdle, where he’ll be ridden by Declan, who’ll be bidding for another big success.
Speaking at the Cheltenham Preview Night at the Tower Hotel, Queally said: “I’ll Sort That will turn in the Turners Novices Hurdle. Things are going well at the moment and I’ve worked him at Curraghamore. All is going smoothly.
“There’s a little bit of nerves and pressure at the moment, and that nothing silly happens. He’s had a lovely preparation, he’s had a grand break after Naas, and we’ve gotten what work we wanted into him.
“He is well. I don’t think that stepping him up to the three miles is an option. The Albert Bartlett can be a very tough race on horses, and historically, it has ruined a lot of horses' careers. We’re going to play it safe and go with the safer option.
“I’ll be bouncing him out good and quick. We’ll do what he does well and go a good gallop, and he should go well. He is in good order, and we’re looking forward to it. It was a special day at Naas, and we’re hoping for more of the same at Cheltenham.
“This is a big thing for a small yard. It was a big day at Naas, and hopefully our luck will continue because he is a great horse to have.”
Commenting on Tackletommywoowoo, who is due to run in the Albert Bartlett, Queally added: “He is a fun horse for all the local supporters, the people from Waterford and Portlaw. John O’Mahony has been a great supporter of me down through the years, and is a great supporter of the year.
“He won three races on the bounce, and he got a small injury in December. We felt that he wasn’t 100% ready at the DRF. I think he is a horse that deserves another chance, and it would be great for John and all the lads. If the horse could run a big race, it would be great for the county.
“You need to draw a line through his last run. He was coming back from injury and had only been back for five or six weeks. He’ll be more ready now, and he’ll be a better horse on better ground, so I’d give the horse a second chance. Their owners are good for the game.”
He also confirmed that Mares Novices Hurdle fancy Carrigmoornaspruce has new owners and will run in the race. “Carrigmoornaspruce will go to the Mares’ Novice Hurdle. She’s been in great form at home, and we are delighted with her. She has won three bumpers, which is hard to do, and she has Grade 1 form over hurdles.
"Victorious Racing have bought her, and she will run in those colours at the Cheltenham Festival, where James Bowen has been booked to ride her.
"Jerry McGrath approached me about the idea, and after speaking with the owners, it was agreed. We’re really looking forward to running her, and she’ll love the dry ground - the drier the better for her.” Three runners at the meeting for Declan Queally and co, and we wish them the very best of luck in their bid to bring back silverware to the Déise.
