Blue Lord

Noted before after he finished second to Bob Olinger in the Grade 1 Lawlor’s of Naas Hurdle over two and a half miles at Naas last month, Blue Lord is worthy of mention again after he finished third behind his stable companion Appreciate It in the Grade 1 Chanelle Pharma Hurdle over two miles at Leopardstown on Sunday.  He wasn’t as keen on Sunday as he had been at Naas, probably helped by the shorter trip and the resultant stronger pace. He travelled well in mid-division early on, and he made nice progress towards the end of the back straight. He wasn’t great at the second last flight, however, and he was caught a little flat-footed when they quickened from there. Only sixth as they raced to the home turn, he stayed on well over the last and up the run-in to get up and take third place.

It was a really good run by Willie Mullins’ horse over a distance that is probably on the sharp side for him. He was green when he won his maiden hurdle on his first run for Willie Mullins at Punchestown in November, but he was game in the end in getting the better of Julies Stowaway. He was too keen last time over two and a half miles, so he did well to keep on as well as he did to finish second behind Bob Olinger. From the family of Grand National runner-up Mely Moss, two and a half miles is probably still a good trip for him, and he may learn to settle better over that trip as he gains in experience. He remains an interesting horse, and he could still be a live contender for the Ballymore Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Leopardstown, 7^th February 2021