Ferny Hollow and Riviere D'Etel on course for Leopardstown Grade 1 clash

Ferny Hollow remains on course for the Grade 1 Racing Post Novice Chase (2.20) at Leopardstown on December 26, with Willie Mullins leaving the 2020 Champion Bumper winner in the race at the latest forfeit stage on Monday.

His main market rival Riviere D'Etel, unbeaten in three starts over fences, has also been left in by Gordon Elliott.

Just seven horses stood their ground for the feature race on the opening day of the Leopardstown Christmas festival. They include the Henry de Bromhead-trained Dancing On My Own, not seen since winning on his chasing debut at Killarney in October, and Coeur Sublime, no match for Ferny Hollow at Punchestown.

The Mullins-trained Grand Bornand, Oliver McKiernan's Gallant John Joe and Denis Hogan's Zoffanien complete the entries.

Elliott holds a strong hand in the Grade 2 Knight Frank Juvenile Hurdle (1.10) on the same card with Britzka and Fil Dor featuring among the 12 entries.

Leopardstown (December 26): full racecard and entries

The Grade 1 BoyleSports Faugheen Novice Chase (2.40) on the same day at Limerick has attracted a glittering cast, with Elliott's Farouk D'Alene and Gavin Cromwell's Vanillier standing out among the 17 entries.

Ferny Hollow remains in that Limerick contest, but Leopardstown is understood to be his preferred target.

Beacon Edge, Gabynako and Fury Road were the first three home in the Drinmore Novice Chase at Fairyhouse in that order, and they also feature among the 14 entries at Limerick.

Limerick (December 26): full racecard and entries

Envoi Allen and Energumene on course for Leopardstown

Mullins has left Chacun Pour Soi and Energumene in the Grade 1 Paddy's Rewards Club Steeplechase (1.10) at Leopardstown on December 27.

De Bromhead has also left Envoi Allen in the picture for that race, with the potential field completed by Battleoverdoyen, Samcro and Sizing Pottsie.

The Grade 1 Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle (12.35) takes place 35 minutes later and has attracted Champion Bumper winner Sir Gerhard along with Mullins-trained stablemates Kilcruit and Whatdeawant.

Elliott has left unlucky Royal Bond third Mighty Potter and Three Stripe Life in the race.

Leopardstown (December 27): full racecard and entries

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