Bambino Fever’s Rise in the Racing World
The Ryanair Mares Novices Hurdle has quickly developed its own identity since its inception in 2016. This Grade 2 race, also known as the Dawn Run, is run over a distance of 2m179y and can feature a full field of up to 22 mares. Among the contenders for the 2026 edition is Bambino Fever, trained by Willie Mullins.
Bambino Fever is coming off a successful season, having won the Champion Bumper at last year’s Festival. Currently, she is the favorite for the upcoming race, with odds standing at 1/1. Mullins has a strong history with this event, having won it five times previously, further solidifying Bambino Fever’s status as a leading contender.
However, the competition is fierce. Oldschool Outlaw, who previously defeated Bambino Fever on her hurdling debut at Naas, is listed at odds of 11/2. Other notable horses include Echoing Silence, boasting back-to-back wins and Listed-level form, with odds of 14/1, and Carrigmoornaspruce at 9/1.
In addition, Full Of Life, trained by Henry De Bromhead, is another horse to watch. Darragh O’Keeffe, a jockey associated with De Bromhead, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to race, stating, “I’m very grateful to be racing for Henry.” This sentiment reflects the camaraderie and respect within the racing community.
As the race approaches, observers are keen to see how Bambino Fever will perform against her rivals. The anticipation builds as the event date, March 12, 2026, draws near. Brian Acheson, commenting on O’Keeffe’s performance, noted, “Darragh on the horse is the hero. He’s done it all now.” This highlights the importance of the jockey’s role in the success of the horse.
With the stage set for an exciting race, all eyes will be on Bambino Fever and her competitors. The outcome remains uncertain, but the combination of Mullins’ training and Bambino Fever’s past achievements positions her as a strong contender in this prestigious event.
