Benie Des Dieux is set to try and defend her Mares’ Hurdle title at the Cheltenham Festival this year, according to a report on the Irish Times.
The mare, trained by Willie Mullins, has not raced yet this season but Mullins is hoping that she can be back in time for the Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Benie Des Dieux also secured victory in the Mares’ Champion Hurdle at Punchestown last year.
Her comeback could see her race against close rival Apple’s jade, who will be looking to avenge both of last season’s losses.
Mullins said:
She’s in good form and we’re aiming for the Mares’ Hurdle. The only reason she hasn’t run this season is the ground.
She has options before that. There’s the Quevega Hurdle at Punchestown, the Red Mills Hurdle and the Boyne Hurdle at Navan. There are options in England too. The problem is the ground.
But it’s not a big worry if she went into Cheltenham without a run.
Benie Des Dieux is unbeaten in five starts under Mullins and she’ll be eager to defend her title.
