Jumbajukiba to attempt back to back victories in Bruce Betting sponsored Gladness Stakes
Bruce Betting make their sponsorship debut at the Curragh this Sunday 5th April when they put their name to the Gladness Stakes, and the Group 3 contest has attracted a very competitive field which includes last year’s winner Jumbajukiba. In total there are 15 entries for the 7 furlong event, including three British trained challengers in Atlantic Sport, Express Wish and Lovelace.
Mad About You, third behind Oh Goodness Me in the Park Express Stakes two weeks ago, is also among the entries and her trainer Dermot Weld could also be represented by Le Cadre Noir and Tian Shan. Duff, Kargali and Alhabeeb all add spice to what promises to be a race to savour.
Famous Name is an interesting contender for the BAM Contractors Alleged Stakes. The Dermot Weld trained four- year- old is one of 15 entries for the 10 furlong Listed contest which has also attracted the Mark Johnson trained pair of Boscage and Drill Sergeant. Pollen and Estrela Braga, first and second respectively in the Irish Lincolnshire at the Curragh two weeks ago, are set to renew rivalry, while Poet and Celtic Dane are others of note in a competitive event.
There are also 15 entries for Newbridge Credit Union Loughbrown Stakes, including three from the powerful Aidan O’Brien stable in Chief Lone Eagle, Gluteus Maximus and the highly consistent Westphalia. Chorus of Angels, gutsy winner of the recent Madrid Handicap over this course and distance two weeks ago, will bid to follow up that success, while Mark Johnson can select between Cry of Freedom and Crackdown. Jim Bolger has made an impressive start to the new flat season and he will be represented by Vocalised.
National Hunt fans are well catered with the likes of Ebadiyan, Nicanor, Beau Michael and Timari, all set to clash in the Newbridge Parishes Charity Day Race.
The first of eight races commences at 2.15pm and this popular family day will include a variety of free entertainment for children. The ground at the Curragh is currently Good to Yielding.