Pastorale runner-up in Listed Apple’s Jade at Navan

Pastorale continued her sharp rate of progression at Navan on Sunday, finishing second to arguably the best novice mare in Ireland, Brighterdaysahead, in the Listed Apple’s Jades Mares’ Novice Hurdle.

Our French recruit, still just a five year old, had gained valuable black type when third in Listed company at Thurles on her previous start in December, and she took another step forward yesterday.  Settled in rear, she jumped fluently in the main and, when most of her rivals came under pressure in the straight, she was the only one, other than the winner, to still be travelling strongly.

Though ultimately unable to go with Brighterdaysahead (who now heads the market for the Mares’ Novice at the Cheltenham Festival), she pulled over 4L clear of the third, a 128-rated mare with plenty of experience, so it was a smart performance in defeat.

We did consider entering for Cheltenham, but will instead target the Grade 1 Honeysuckle Mares’ Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse’s Irish Grand National meeting at the end of March.