Ahead of Cheltenham Festival, Trainer Opens Up on Paisley Park’s Condition After Close Defeat in G2 Event

Fantastic races have been produced throughout the horse racing season this year. Every one of the racecourses, from the Americas to Europe, has hosted big events, and there would be many more to come. There are just few weeks until the Cheltenham Festival, and many trainers are hard at work getting their top horses ready. This list also includes Emma Lavelle’s Paisley Park, a gelding that is scheduled to compete in the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle (Grade 1).

But getting to the event hasn’t been easy for the gelding due to his tricky season debut. The horse made his debut in January’s Grade 2 McCoy Contractors Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham Racecourse, where he just lost out on victory. Despite the setback, the trainer remains optimistic about the horse’s future, as stated in the latest report.

Horse’s Cheltenham Festival future looking bright

Numerous occasions have shown that Paisley Park is capable. Although the horse hasn’t won in quite some time, he always puts up a good display in races he goes to. Paisley Park had great expectations for him in the Grade 2 McCoy Contractors Cleeve Hurdle, but he could only manage second place. The horse’s trainer, Emma Lavelle, has, however, provided encouraging news. The trainer, as per the X post by Road To Cheltenham, said, “Touch wood he’s in great form, he had an easy week after the Cleeve and he’s back cantering away now.”

While most athletes would crumble under the mental weight of loss, this equine competitor is in a league of his own. “Had a little stride” in recent days, according to the trainer, and his confidence level is like “King Kong.” The only race this horse has been entered for is the Grade 1 Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in March. This self-assurance in spite of loss “is a good thing,” according to the trainer. Although there are those who doubt the horse’s eligibility to compete at the Cheltenham Festival, his remarkable podium finish in his most recent race begs the question.

So close yet so far

The horse debuted at Cheltenham Racecourse on January 27 in the Grade 2 McCoy Contractors Cleeve Hurdle. He found himself competing in a 2m7f213y race with horses older than five years, and the course included twelve hurdles. There were seven horses in attendance, and the race got off to a fast start with Paisley Park in touch with the frontrunners.

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After Dashel Drasher made a mistake over the penultimate jump, the horse passed the lead to Paisley Park, who was followed by Noble Yeats and Strong Leader. Over the last 110 yds, Noble Yeats and Paisley Park engaged in a ferocious speed battle. Given that only one could emerge victorious, the narrow victory went to Noble Yeats over Paisley Park.

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