Curling stable stars nearing a return to pointing action

The reigning champion mare Longhouse Music has returned from a break and is set to return to action once the ground turns in her favour, reports her handler Sam Curling, as he looks forward to a productive spring campaign with her.

The now 11-year-old added the champion point-to-point horse award, a title that she shared with Kruzhlinin, to her end of season award haul, courtesy of a record-breaking 13 victories throughout the 2018/19 campaign.

However a wetter winter this season has ensured her competitive appearances have been limited to just three outings since October, and she has not been seen since finishing fourth to Mighty Stowaway in a Ladies Open at Mainstown on December 1st.

Ground conditions have also gone against another of Curling’s leading lights from within the open division in Some Are Lucky.

Owned by Corinthian rider Gerry Spain, the nine-year-old was himself a seven-time winner last season, but he has not been seen since chasing home Better B Quick at Dowth Hall in October, for what was one of just two competitive appearances this term for the Gold Well gelding.

“The ground has gone against them so they both had a break for the middle for the year and are only just back in actually,” reported Curling of the pair who played a big role in providing him with a personal best 32 winners last season.

“They had a month off, so they won’t appear until Cheltenham time I would say. Once the ground changes we will have them ready to go again.

“They can run away plenty like last season then once they get the good ground.”