Impaire Et Passe: Does Another Cheltenham Visit Beckon For Ballymore Winner?

In the dynamic world of horse racing, plans can shift as quickly as the horses themselves. That’s precisely what’s happening with last season’s Ballymore Hurdle winner, Impaire Et Passe.

There’s buzz about the Grade 1 Matheson Hurdle at Leopardstown’s Christmas Festival. But a new course might be followed for this five-year-old hurdling star.

Simon Munir and Isaac Souede’s gelding, who narrowly missed victory against Teahupoo in the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle , might be heading to Cheltenham instead.

The Grade 2 Dornan Engineering Relkeel Hurdle on Cheltenham’s New course could be the next battleground for this talented stayer.

As reported by Scott Burton in Racing Post, racing manager Anthony Bromley confirmed the entry, stating:

“We are definitely entering Impaire Et Passe for the Relkeel Hurdle at Cheltenham.”

With a lighter 3lb penalty and tempting prize money, the Cheltenham option is gaining serious traction.

But don’t get your betting slips ready just yet.

The horse’s trainer Willie Mullins is yet to make the final call.

And knowing Mullins, that decision will only come when it’s needed – by the 27th, to be precise, at the Matheson Hurdle declaration stage.

Impaire Et Passe isn’t short of competition if he goes the Matheson route. The race, dominated by Mullins for most of the last decade, sees stablemates State Man and Echoes In Rain in the mix, alongside Gordon Elliott’s trio Zanahiyr, Fils D’Oudairies, and Irish Point. Plus, there’s Bob Olinger from Henry de Bromhead‘s yard rounding out the competition.

So, what’s it going to be for Impaire Et Passe? The familiar grounds of Leopardstown or back over to Cheltenham? Whichever way it goes, one thing’s for sure – the National Hunt racing world will be watching for pointers to the Ballymore in March.

And so will we, ready to bring you the latest and best from the world of horse racing betting.