Gigginstown House Stud unleash a couple of interesting newcomers to the jumping game on an good card at Gowran Park on Thursday.
The Noel Meade-trained Hartside makes his debut for the leading owners in the Gowran Park Golf Membership From 749 Euros 3-Y-O Hurdle and is set to face 11 rivals in the hands of Davy Russell.
He won his last three starts on the Flat for Tommy Carmody but Gigginstown's Stud manager Eddie O'Leary is unsure what to expect on his National Hunt debut.
He said: "They all have to go and jump and we'll see how we go. The most important thing when you're starting horses of over hurdles is that they go and enjoy themselves."
Pat Flynn's previous winner South South West sets a fair standard in the two-mile contest, while Dougal Philps (Willie Mullins), Pacelli Road (Dermot Weld) and Teofolina (Jim Bolger) are other contenders.
In the following Race That Stops A County - Jan 24th Thyestes 2013 Maiden Hurdle Gigginstown's maroon and white silks will be carried by Umpact, who won a bumper in France and make his first appearance since joining Tony Martin.
O'Leary said: "We think he's OK, but we'll see. It's only a maiden hurdle and we'll know more after the race."
Fellow French recruit Upazo could be his main danger. Arthur Moore's Treat Yourself bids for back-to-back course wins in the Scraggs Alley Carlow Novice Handicap Hurdle, while the Students Day At Gowran Park 2013 - Tuesday April 9th Maiden Hurdle looks a match between Sizing Gold and Mozoltov.
Sizing Gold bumped into top-class prospect Don Cossack when second at Navan last time, while Mozoltov kicks off his career over obstacles having finished third behind stable companion Champagne Fever in the Grade One bumper at the Punchestown Festival in the spring.
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