PartialLogo
News

Jessica Harrington: 'I know Roksana's there, but something had to take her on'

Magic Of Light: top Irish raider has won the Grade 2 Matchbook Betting Podcast Mares' Hurdle for the last two years
Magic Of Light: top Irish raider has won the Grade 2 Matchbook Betting Podcast Mares' Hurdle for the last two yearsCredit: Edward Whitaker

Jessica Harrington is set to follow in the footsteps of Willie Mullins by sending Magic Of Light and Impact Factor over to Ascot on Saturday.

Mullins became the first Irish trainer to send a horse to Britain since the UK left the European Union on January 1 when Grangee finished third to Eileendover in the Listed mares' bumper at Market Rasen on Saturday, and Harrington has added further confidence to the prospect of Irish runners racing at the Cheltenham Festival by taking two of her team to Ascot.

Magic Of Light, runner-up to Tiger Roll in the 2019 Grand National, has won the Grade 2 Matchbook Betting Podcast Mares' Hurdle for the last two years and will aim to complete the hat-trick, while Impact Factor will step up in class for the Grade 1 Matchbook Betting Exchange Clarence House Chase.

Harrington said: "I think we're good to go and the horses will head over some time on Thursday. Ascot is going to give us stables for the horses at the racecourse, which is great.

"I think we know what we have to do and all the forms we have to fill out so fingers crossed it all goes according to plan. I'm looking forward to seeing how they both get on."

On Magic Of Light, she said: "She's terrific, in really great form. She actually ran away with Robert [Power] the other morning. She's full of beans and I couldn't be happier with her. I know Roksana is in there, but something had to take her on and it's going to be interesting to see what happens."


Ascot Saturday cards


Impact Factor is one of ten who remain in the Clarence House and Harrington is looking forward to seeing how he gets on at the top level.

She said: "Impact Factor is improving all the time and seems to be in great shape. It's a very good race, as it always is, but we're keen to let him take his chance and see how he gets on. Why not?"


Read more:

Waiting Patiently supplemented for Clarence House as Politologue heads entries

Nick Scholfield hungry to get back on Arkle possible Sky Pirate as return nears

Festival heroes Politologue and Buveur D'Air add quality to busy seven days


Check out the Racing Post Cheltenham Festival microsite for the latest tips and odds for every race at the festival. The best Cheltenham betting advice and exclusive free betting offers all in one place.


David JenningsDeputy Ireland editor

Published on 19 January 2021inNews

Last updated 18:51, 18 January 2021

iconCopy