Unbeaten A Dream To Share makes comeback in bumpers at Leopardstown as hurdling plans put on hold

The John and Thomas Kiely-trained gelding had a successful season in bumpers last year, winning five races in a row, including Grade 1 victories at the Cheltenham and Punchestown festivals. This season, the plan was for him to compete in novice hurdles, but a setback delayed his return until the new year. Due to missing schooling, he will now continue to compete in bumpers and aim for another win in the Grade 2 event on February 3.

Racing manager Frank Berry, representing owner JP McManus, confirmed that the horse will be entered in the bumper at the Dublin Racing Festival. Due to the delay in preparation, he hasn’t had as much schooling as desired, making it unlikely for him to switch to hurdling this season. However, he is in great form and trainer John Kiely is pleased with his progress.

A Dream To Share made a name for himself in the previous season, starting his unbeaten run at Tipperary in May 2022. He proved his talent by comfortably defeating Fact To File and subsequent Grade 1 winner Feronily at the Dublin Racing Festival. Jockey John Gleeson had the privilege of riding him to victory at Cheltenham, where he confirmed his superiority over Fact To File. The horse’s exceptional campaign reached its peak at Punchestown.