Minsk Set For Hurdling Debut

I Love Belarus!
- Minsk breaking his maiden at
The Curragh last June

One of the biggest hype horses around at the moment, Minsk, is set to finally make his hurdling debut this Saturday in the Grade 2 Winning Fair Juvenile Hurdle (1.55) at Fairyhouse.

Formerly with John Oxx on the flat, the Dessie Hughes trained four-year-old is a general 6/1 shot for the Triumph Hurdle, making him co-favourite in most quarters with Sadlers Risk; and all this is in spite of the horse having not yet jumped a hurdle in public!

In his last run on the flat, Minsk put up an impressive display to land the Irish Cesarewitch and owner Barry Connell apparently plans to switch the horse back to Oxx after the Triumph for a tilt at the Melbourne Cup later this year.

This certainly seems to suggest that connections think they have something special on their hands. Reports from the yard have been positive as well with Minsk reported to have schooled very well as his Cheltenham preparations are stepped up.

Thrusting him in to a Grade 2 for his start over timber also indicates the high regard this horse is held in, but it won’t be a walk in the park going up against the likes of Bat Masterson, One Cool Shabra, Midnight Oil and Ut De Sivola.

One thing is for sure though, Minsk certainly has a lot of people excited (myself included) and if he wins like he’s clearly expected to here then you can guarantee his Triumph Hurdle price will be a lot shorter than 6/1 come 2pm on Saturday.