Joseph O'Brien has high festival hopes for 2023 after a white-hot Christmas

Joseph O’Brien hopes a fantastic festive period can prove a catalyst for a successful 2023 after saddling five winners from 16 runners.

The trainer has operated at a 31 per cent strike-rate since December 26 and most notably landed the Jack De Bromhead Christmas Hurdle with Home By The Lee, while his sole runner of 2023, Scarlet And Dove, claimed the Grade 3 mares' chase at Fairyhouse on Sunday.

"The festive period was brilliant," said O’Brien. “We’re delighted with how our horses ran, and we had plenty of winners without having a huge number of runners. Home By The Lee’s win was a big day. To win a Grade 1 at Leopardstown at Christmas is always special."

JJ Slevin was on board the 7-1 shot, and O’Brien added: "JJ has been a top rider for a number of years. He has plenty of experience, he’s riding at the top of his game and he has the hunger. He’s a brilliant horseman and we feel very fortunate to have him on our side."

Home By The Lee: a big winner at Leopardstown for Joseph O'BrienCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

O’Brien also landed the Coral Finale Juvenile Hurdle at Chepstow with Comfort Zone on Tuesday, one day after 2020 Beresford Stakes winner High Definition scored on his hurdles debut at Leopardstown.

"High Definition was a high-profile horse and it was a lovely start to this discipline for him,” said O’Brien. "We still have a bit to work on but I was very happy with his performance. He’s come out of the race well and he’s probably going to head to the Dublin Racing Festival.”

Looking ahead to the remainder of the jumps season, O'Brien said: "We always said we hope to be strongly represented at the festivals. We love our involvement in jump racing. I’m very pleased with how we’ve been running all season. I’m looking forward to being involved in the good festivals this season, such as the Dublin Racing Festival.”

Among the yard's likely festival contenders are last year's Ascot Chase winner Fakir D'Oudairies, Banbridge and Busselton.

"We were very pleased with Fakir D’Oudairies in the John Durkan last time. The winner [Galopin Des Champs] looks like an exceptional horse. We might look to go back to Ascot with him," added O'Brien.

"Banbridge will probably go to the Dublin Racing Festival. Busselton will be trained with the Irish National in mind and he’ll probably run in a conditions hurdle at Leopardstown before that."

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