Ile Atlantique, a versatile novice chaser under the watchful eyes of revered trainer Willie Mullins, is gearing up for potential appearances at the Dublin Racing Festival. This horse, owned by Tony Bloom, chairman of Brighton & Hove Albion, has shown a dazzling performance that captured public attention at Naas earlier this month.
Naas was not just an ordinary win for Ile Atlantique; it was a spectacle that vividly showcased his jumping prowess. Competing in a Grade Two race over the minimum distance, he galloped past a field that included seasoned Grade One-winning hurdlers such as Firefox, who came in second, and Inthepocket in third place. This victory wasn’t just about speed; it was an exhibition of a novice chaser’s artful and precise maneuvering over hurdles.
Earlier this season, Ile Atlantique demonstrated his adaptability by making an impeccable chasing debut over an extended two and a half miles. This newfound versatility has left his connections pondering whether to pit him against rivals in the Goffs Irish Arkle Novice Chase or the Ladbrokes Novice Chase at Leopardstown, which offers an intermediate trip. These options present a tantalizing dilemma for Mullins, who will ultimately decide the best course based on the horse’s capabilities.
Sean Graham, the racing manager for Tony Bloom, offered insights into the careful considerations being made for Ile Atlantique. “Willie’s decision will likely come down to the wire at declaration stage,” Graham noted. “We trust his judgment entirely and are confident the horse will enter whichever race is ideally suited for him.”
Enthusiastic about the horse’s prowess at Naas, Graham expressed an openness to tackling the Arkle: “Given his outstanding jumping form, it seems like a natural step to test if we’ve got an Arkle contender on our hands.”
Moreover, Ile Atlantique’s experience at Navan adds another layer of intrigue. “He flared up over nearly two miles and six furlongs there, which is a significant challenge given the track’s intensity,” Graham recalled. There was initial skepticism when this seasoned horse was entered for a two-mile race at Naas, but under Paul Townend’s skilled guidance, Ile Atlantique made a mockery of such doubts all the way to victory.
Those close to Ile Atlantique have always spoken highly of him, even during his novice hurdling season at Grade One level. Despite critiques of his form dipping towards the season’s end, Graham defends the horse, citing maturing physicality and a preference for softer ground conditions.
“Last year, some might’ve written him off as soft,” said Graham. “But he was still growing into himself. Hard tracks in spring pinched his form a bit, but when there’s moisture in the turf, he runs the course beautifully.”
Looking forward, Ile Atlantique’s team plans a strategic approach to his races. “We’re not over-racing him this year. There’s potential for him to excel over different distances, whether he shows as a spry two-miler, a robust three-miler, or brings something in-between,” Graham explained.
In the end, Ile Atlantique embodies potential and adaptability. He’s a horse with options, much like the seasoned trainers and owners guiding him; he may gallop into diverse distances and stagger us with groundbreaking performances.
