Punters fume at ‘horrendous’ tactics at the start of Brighterdaysahead’s astonishing 31-length win over State Man
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BRIGHTERDAYSAHEAD demolished Champion Hurdle king State Man in an amazing Neville Hotels Hurdle - but punters were left fuming about the 'horrendous' tactics at the start. Paul Townend appeared to be caught sleeping as Sam Ewing on the winner and Danny Gilligan on pacemaker King Of Kingsfield hared off in front.
![[Some punters thought Paul Townend was caught sleeping on State Man, in the yellow and black silks at the back, as winner Brighterdaysahead stole a few lengths at the start - and never let up in an amazing 30-length win]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bright.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
That left the rest of the six-runner field, including State Man, trailing miles behind from the very get go. The only place to get Templegate's tips first - and at the best prices - is by joining Sun Racing's brilliant Members Enclosure. Sign up now for just £1* to be part of racing's best winning team and get...
![[The winner and pacemaker were a long way in front by the time they had jumped the first]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bright1.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
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And that gap was never bridged, with Gordon Elliott's wondermare running out an incredible 30-length winner over 66-1 Winter Fog. State Man, who was sent off 4-9 favourite, looked dreadfully laboured and never got into second gear, let alone top gear. Brighterdaysahead, who beat State Man in the Morgiana, confirmed that form in devastating style after being sent off 5-2.
The victory was all the more humbling for Willie Mullins' son Patrick, who said his dad's horse was an absolute good thing. Speaking ahead of the Grade 1 at Leopardstown, Patrick said: "Brighterdayshead is a fantastic mare, better than I gave her credit for, and Gordon and Jack (Kennedy) deserve a lot of credit because they were always very sweet on her.
