With the National Hunt season in full swing, Cork Racecourse Mallow comes alive with one of its most prestigious events. The Bar One Racing Hilly Way Chase race day on 7th December is certainly a date that racing fans have in their calendar – and it’s easy to see why so many people get excited about the event.
This event in Cork is considered the start of the serious jumping season in Ireland by many, and it’s filled with top-drawer entries from leading stables across the country.
Nestled on the banks of the River Blackwater, Cork has a right-handed, one-and-a-half-mile circuit with plenty of difficult fences and an iconic long run-in that always makes or breaks hearts. It is certainly a racetrack known for stamina testing as well as tactical play spoken about long after the racing has finished.
While Cork’s racecourse hosts both flat and National Hunt racing, December firmly belongs to the jumpers, and this meeting is a standout fixture on the Irish racing calendar – it’s definitely one not to be missed.
The Hilly Way Chase is a Grade 2 contest run over approximately two miles and half a furlong. It attracts some of the finest Irish-trained chasers, many of whom progress and compete at prestigious festivals such as Leopardstown, Cheltenham and Punchestown later in the year.
The event has a strong reputation for emerging star chasers, while seasoned Grade 1 performers often use Cork as their winter warm-up. This is not yet another race day in Ireland, but one that really wets the whistle ahead of an exciting season ahead.
Check out Cork’s racecard here.
Race breakdown – 7th December
The gates at Cork Racecourse Mallow typically open in the morning around 10am. This gives bettors plenty of time to study the form and examine the ground, but perhaps above all, enjoy the hospitality and soak up the atmosphere among other race-goers before the first flag falls.
The first race is scheduled around midday, and the day involves a full National Hunt card featuring novice hurdles, maiden hurdles, handicap chases and the eagerly anticipated beginners’ chase, which can so often introduce future big-name chasers.
The Hilly Way Chase itself is placed halfway through the card, offering fans a chance to witness some of Ireland’s top two-mile chasers before the Christmas festival season kicks off.
The feature race, the Bar One Racing Hilly Way Chase, brings together some of the quickest, most agile jumping specialists and so often witnesses one or two superstars ahead of the rest of the National Hunt campaign.
Past winners include Douvan, Un De Sceaux, Chacun Pour Soi and Energumene, all major stars in the Irish National Hunt scene. All of those horses listed went on to take some of the biggest races at the
Cheltenham and Punchestown Festivals, showing just how influential this race can be. Don’t underestimate the horses that finish in the first three.
The supporting races offer their own intrigue. Novice and maiden hurdles at this meeting have a reputation for also revealing gifted future graded performers. The beginners’ chase, for example, is often a highlight for those studying potential festival contenders.
Punters are advised to watch these races closely, as winter form at Cork has a habit of translating well to Leopardstown after Christmas. Be sure to make notes of any eye-catching performers.
The afternoon concludes with competitive handicaps and a mares’ hurdle, wrapping up a well-rounded card before entertainment and crowd festivities take place long into the night for those in attendance.
Head over to Tonybet to check out the odds on horse racing.
Notable Irish-trained and owned horses at Cork
The Hilly Way Chase is renowned for attracting some of the strongest Irish-trained chasers in the sport. It is a race that is dominated historically by one yard in particular: Willie Mullins.
Mullins has built an exceptional record in this race, where legends such as Energumene, Un De Sceaux, Douvan and Chacun Pour Soi have all won in recent years. In fact, Mullins has won 16 of the last 18 renewals – quite incredible.
His horses typically arrive well-schooled and race-fit, targeted for success, and so often dominate the betting markets. If Energumene were to line up again this year, he would almost certainly start as a strong favourite, given his proven ability at Cork.
However, one could argue that he was a tad fortunate last year as Joseph O’Brien’s Banbridge was only a length down before dismounting his rider at the final hurdle. His trainer has indicated that Banbridge may return on Sunday to seek revenge as Energumene.
One horse that will be competing is the J. P. McManus-trained Majborough, who misfired at Cheltenham but has been in good form and has been prepped for Cork in the days leading up to the race.
Henry de Bromhead also frequently targets this meeting and is known for sending horses that handle Cork’s December ground well. De Bromhead’s horses are often tactically smart and can perform strongly on softer going, making them a threat even when not in the limelight of the betting market.
Gordon Elliott, meanwhile, has carved his own reputation at Cork for quite some time, particularly in handicaps and the supporting chases. His horses always offer excellent value at this time of year and he is a trainer to keep an eye on as the races are confirmed in the lead-up to Sunday.
The true charm of Cork is set to be on full show on Sunday, with current and future stars being lined up. The best Irish trainers in the game will all be present – and even if you can’t make the event, it’s one not to be missed on TV.
Predictions for Cork races
Predicting outcomes at Cork depends on a number of factors, but particularly ground conditions. Previous form can be brought to the table, with plenty of course and distance horses being primed and ready for season returns to the venue.
Historically, this meeting has been shaped by soft or heavy ground, which tilts the balance towards horses with proven stamina and jumping resilience. Be sure to keep an eye on the weather across the week before placing any bets.
If the ground rides soft, a strong stayer such as Energumene would hold a major tactical advantage as Mullins looks to dominate the race once more. His ability to maintain a high cruising speed while jumping cleanly makes him a hugely formidable favourite – though Joseph O’Brien and Banbridge will have something to say about that.
For those seeking value, sometimes Elliott-trained chasers can be missed. Elliott’s horses often show significant improvement through the winter months, and he is particularly adept at placing horses where they can exploit favourable conditions or generous handicaps.
Jockey bookings are essential indicators. Paul Townend often signals the leading Mullins runner, while Rachael Blackmore’s presence on any De Bromhead horse is worth serious consideration. Jack Kennedy on Elliott’s representative often indicates a well-fancied stable prospect. Expect all the top jockeys lining up looking to land the big prize on offer at Cork.
Beyond the feature race, the novice hurdle and beginners’ chase events represent excellent betting opportunities.
These races often feature lightly raced or new up-and-coming horses with potential high ceilings but without enough market exposure to reflect their true potential. Savvy punters often keep notes from these races for future betting relevance – particularly when looking forward to Leopardstown at Christmas or the Cheltenham Festival in March.
While Cork may not have the same pull as either Leopardstown or Cheltenham, its December meeting is hugely important in helping form the early-season narrative.
Winners here often progress to Grade 1 glory, and trends from Cork have historically indicated which yards are finding their rhythm. This is an important factor as we approach a busy time of year in the racing calendar.
This year’s Bar One Racing Hilly Way Chase promises – once again – to be a thrilling mixture of proven champions and rising contenders.
To keep track of the odds and marker movers, particularly as jockey bookings and declarations firm up, be sure to keep an eye on Tonybet. There will be plenty of markets available in the build-up to the event – as well as competitive odds right up until flag fall, so don’t miss out.
