But at the end of the day if they're not buying mares with just the CH route to take (as it initally was), why suddenly put a mare in the CH when a specific program has been set up so you can run it in their own sex?
It's an interesting debate. I have a few options, but most would probably not be agreed upon. I'm sure some in racing also have ideas, but there must be a way around it, as the current process I think is slightly broken.
You run your horse in the race you want to run in, or the race where you have the best chance.
This should never change.
But the Festival should ideally be where we see the best vs the best. Irrespective of vagina or penis.
It would be a shame if they always kept themselves to themselves, just because we created a race just for them, as then we may be denied (like in the past) some really great match ups.
The champion hurdle last season would have been a little weakened had apples jade gone for the mares, as up till the race itself, she was head and shoulders above that champion hurdle field on her season's form.
And whilst Laurina also disappointed in the race, had she gone for the mares then this also would have made for a less interesting race.
Had Laurina vs Benie vs Apples been the mares hurdle.
I'd have watched that over the champion hurdle every time.
The last thing they'd want the mares programme to end up doing is making the champion hurdle look second best.
So far this season, even though we haven't seen Benie.
I'd say the 2 mares are the best available, and the Irish ratings agree.
As regards the original point I was making.
It would do no harm to the 'Mares' cause if Honeysuckle went for champion hurdle.
As regards the owners. If they are so set on the Mares Hurdle, then they ought to go for the red mills, so as to avoid temptation.
Apples Jades was 110% going to the Mares race before winning the Irish Champion by miles.
Be interesting to see what they do.
