HERMINATOR is the buzz horse in the ante-post market for the Coral.ie Hurdle at Leopardstown next Sunday, January 17th.

The French-bred six-year-old made his Irish debut for trainer Willie Mullins at the Co Dublin track over Christmas, finishing sixth in the novice handicap hurdle won by Whatsforuwontgobyu. He was ridden at Leopardstown by his owner British amateur David Dunsdon, a former Fegentri world champion.

Herminator was 20/1 in the sponsor’s opening show, and with other firms, for the Coral.ie Hurdle this week but is now 12/1 generally and as low as 10/1 co-favourite with one bookmaker.

Established in 1969 as the Irish Sweeps Hurdle, the Leopardstown race was run under Ladbrokes’ sponsorship from 1987 to 2000. Recent sponsors included Pierse Construction, MCR Group and Boylesports. Now Coral has agreed to sponsor the race for three years to promote their Irish online business.

AS well as having a €100,000 prize fund, the two-mile handicap offers a €100,000 to the connections of the winner if their horse goes on to land the Coral Cup at the Cheltenham Festival. The Tony Martin-trained Xenophon completed that double in 2003.

Owner J.P. McManus is responsible for 11 of the 40 entries, including three of the market leaders – De Name Escapes Me (Noel Meade), Whatsforuwontgobyu (Tony Martin) and After Rain (Shay Barry).

Willie Mullins has nine entries and Gordon Elliott has three, headed by recent Thurles winner Desoto County. Coral is sponsoring the entire Leopardstown card which includes the €100,000 Coral.ie Leopardstown Handicap Chase over two miles and five furlongs. Joint-favourite at 7/1 with the sponsors is the Gordon Elliott-trained Ucello Conti, who finished a fine second in the Paddy Power Chase over three miles at Leopardstown last month.

CORAL.IE HURDLE (sponsor bets): 8 De Name Escapes Me, 10 Whatsforuwontgobyu, 12 Herminator, Ice Cold Soul, Sir Scorpion, 14 Diamond King, Tully East, Vive La France, 16/1 bar.

CORAL.IE LEOPARDSTOWN CHASE (sponsor bets): 7 Ucello Conti, Fine Rightly, Dressedtothenines, 8 Rule The World, 10 Blood Cotil, 12 Noble Emperor, Killer Crow, Gallant Oscar, Heathfield, Living Next Door, Rossvoss, Seabass, Guitar Pete, 14/1 bar.