THE final day of the Leopardstown Christmas Festival features what is set to be an intriguing rematch between Brighterdaysahead and State Man in the Grade 1 Neville Hotels Hurdle.

When Gordon Elliott’s mare beat Willie Mullins’ favourite in last month’s Morgiana Hurdle, both trainers acknowledged the winner’s advantage in terms of race fitness, having landed a Grade 3 on her seasonal return earlier that month. It marked a second win at Grade 1 level for Gigginstown’s hurdler, while her rival has 10 to his name.