Leopardstown’s Christmas Festival is likely to be the next port of call for Home By The Lee following his surprise victory in the Lismullen Hurdle at Navan.
The seven-year-old has been overlooked on several occasions this year – finishing second in the Galmoy Hurdle as an 80-1 shot in February and sixth at 33-1 in the Stayers’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
Joseph O’Brien’s charge was again widely unconsidered at 28-1 for the Lismullen earlier this month, but belied those odds to beat the likes of Bob Olinger and Flooring Porter to Grade Two honours.
READ MORE: Monty's Pass, the oldest living Grand National winner, dies aged 29
“I don’t think it was a huge surprise to us. He was only beaten seven and a half lengths in the Stayers’ Hurdle last season, which was a great run, and he was second in the good hurdle in Gowran Park before that,” said O’Brien.
“We thought the distance in the Lismullen was a little bit short of his best, but we were very hopeful that he would run into the top three or four.
“He really galloped up the hill strongly and his stamina came into play, and it looks like he can be competitive in those top-level staying hurdle races this winter.”
Home By The Lee could meet Bob Olinger and Flooring Porter once more in the Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown over the festive period.
O’Brien added: “That (Leopardstown) would be the logical next stepping-stone for him.”
READ NEXT:
Roy Keane finally has his say on Declan Rice and Jack Grealish not playing for Ireland
Didi Hamann critical of Hansi Flick as Germany fall to shock defeat against Japan
Sligo Rovers announce huge redevelopment plans for The Showgrounds
FIFA to launch investigation after alleged homophobic chants by Ecuador fans
Cristiano Ronaldo set to leave Manchester United by mutual consent
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
