After Two-Year Hiatus, Horse Racing Icon Set to Return to Track in Major G2 Race

The present horse racing season is really exciting. Starting with key G1 races won by underdogs and ending with huge scratches. But there are a handful of renowned horses that haven’t raced in a long time, and when they do return, fans can’t help but become excited. This season, Willie Mullins has once again shown that he is a world-class trainer. But one of his horses, Ferny Hollow, is about to make his track comeback after an extended absence of two years.

Many horses in the racing industry are advised to have long breaks before any major race. But things are different for Ferny Hollow, the 9-year-old gelding that hasn’t raced since late 2021 but is on a 5-run winning streak. The world of horse racing is anticipating a thrilling return, and news of its comeback has gone viral on social media.

Return to horse racing with a proper aim

When a horse has been away from the track for an extended period, it is customary to send it to stud for retirement. But until it’s official, Ferny Hollow, who is trained by Willie Mullins, never says goodbye to the track. The internet went absolutely crazy when the legendary racehorse returned. An enormous update on the horse’s return was released by Road To Cheltenham on X. But this is no ordinary return to racing for the horse; on Saturday, it will compete in the G2 Red Mills Chase at Gowran Park.

Many famous horses are slated to be at Gowran Park this weekend for the G2 event, so the atmosphere is sure to be electric. But none saw the Willie Mullins-trained racehorse suddenly return to the track after a two-year absence. The last time Ferny Hollow raced, it made quite an impression, taking first place in the I.N.H. Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle by a length. It has won five races in a row, and Mullins will hope it can continue that winning streak this time around. After shocking everyone with its pinpoint accuracy at Leopardstown, the horse has not raced since.

A great G1 stint

The 2021 season was down to its last few races. Included in this group was the Leopardstown Racecourse’s Grade 1 Racing Post Novice Chase. There were six racehorses and zero non-runners in the 2m1f race, which drew a full house. The majestic creatures had a little less difficulty in the race since one of the eleven hurdles had to be removed due to damage.

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Everyone was waiting for Ferny Hollow, and it lived up to expectations. Over all the hurdles, the horse leaped flawlessly. While letting off its overall pace in the latter stretch, it kept a tight grip throughout the race. After clearing the last remaining hurdle, Ferny Hollow accelerated even faster, surpassing Riviere D’etel by  1½ lengths in the race. The faultless 2021 came to a close with the horse’s fifth straight victory.

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