IT is apt that the first National Hunt meeting in Ireland following the funeral of the inimitable Maureen Mullins falls this afternoon at Gowran Park - the track most local to Irish racing’s first lady.

At the age of 94, it was only last month that she officially opened the course’s new weighing room facility, and she was a former director and long-standing shareholder at Gowran Park. Against that backdrop, the great racing matriarch will be firmly in the thoughts of those heading to the Co Kilkenny venue for a card that regularly tends to showcase star names.

The Grade 2 Red Mills Chase (3.27) and Grade 3 Red Mills Trial Hurdle (2.17) take centre stage, and none of the Mullins family are represented in the latter contest. However, there is a live chance the feature prize could stay local in 2024 as Willie Mullins bids for a poignant win in the Red Mills Chase with Saint Sam - one of five declared for the €37,500 event.

The free-going chaser is deputising for stablemate Ferny Hollow, who had been due to make his return here before connections opted against declaring due to heavy ground, and is the standout on ratings if able to run close to his mark of 159.

The champion trainer has won this race a record seven times - including the last three runnings in succession - and Paul Townend is chasing a fourth win here to make him the race’s most successful rider.

Elliott challenge

In opposition, Gordon Elliott is instead attempting to plunder the prize for just the second time, having struck here only once in 2013 with Chicago Grey - the horse who provided him with a first Cheltenham Festival win two years earlier in the National Hunt Chase.

Riviere D’etel makes a quick turnaround from her second to Allegorie De Vassy in last Saturday’s Listed BBA Ireland Limited Opera Hat Mares Chase at Naas and ought to relish the mid-range distance/testing ground at Gowran.

The Grand National and Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning trainer also sends out the capable Embittered, who plundered a valuable handicap chase at Naas in December before failing to trouble the judge in the Paddy Power and Leopardstown Chase.

“Riviere D’etel is going right-handed, which she certainly enjoys,” said Elliott.

“I would say this trip is probably more her thing than last weekend too [over two miles]. She has come out of the race very well and we are very happy with her.

“Embittered struggled a bit in high-class handicaps the last twice but he won nicely at Navan before Christmas. It was a quality effort. He’s got a bit to do on ratings but the trip is right and he’s in good shape and hopefully he gives a good account of himself.”

Hurdle hope

Elliott, who sent out Brighterdaysahead to make a winning debut in the bumper on this card 12 months ago, looks to have strong claims of making it three wins on the bounce in the Red Mills Trial Hurdle through What’s Up Darling - last seen finishing fifth in the Royal Bond Novice Hurdle.

“What’s Up Darling had a little break after his last run at Fairyhouse and has come back in good order,” said the trainer who landed this contest with Teahupoo and Fil Dor in the last two seasons.

“He would prefer less testing ground than he’s going to get but this looks a nice spot for him to kick off his spring campaign.”