RACING CONFIDENTIAL: The future Gold Cup star who brought Jack Grealish's agent to tears, the under-the-radar trainer you need to follow and Chester's grand expansion plans
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Ballyburn, arguably the most exciting novice chaser in training and a horse with untapped potential, looks increasingly likely to enliven Kempton’s Christmas fixture. Trained by Willie Mullins, Ballyburn is co-owned by Ronnie Bartlett and David Manasseh, the leading football agent whose clients include Jack Grealish. To say that Manasseh adores this gelding would be an understatement and he wept tears of joy when Ballyburn won at Cheltenham in March.
![[The horse is partially owned by football super-agent David Manasseh, who wept tears of joy when Ballyburn passed the post at the festival]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/18/11/93270861-14205381-image-a-3_1734521614815.jpg)
It is unusual for Mullins to consider bringing a novice of this quality over England so early in the season but there is a lack of suitable two-mile options in Ireland at present, something the champion trainer has bemoaned, and it has forced him to be creative.
![[Trainer Willie Mullins is keen target next year's Arkle Chase, with a view to the 2026 Gold Cup]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/18/11/93270867-14205381-image-a-2_1734521613251.jpg)
Racing Confidential understands this means Ballyburn is almost certain to contest the Grade Two Wayward Lad Novices Chase on December 27, a race that demands impeccable jumping at high speed, and what a treat it would be for racegoers at Kempton. There tends to be a drop in the atmosphere at the Sunbury-on-Thames venue after Boxing Day, when there is the crackerjack hour featuring the King George VI Chase plus the Christmas Hurdle and Kauto Star Novices Chase, but a performer of Ballyburn’s class would certainly boost the attendance.
![[Talented conditional jockey Dylan Johnston has been snapped up by leading owner Dai Walters]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/18/11/93270925-14205381-image-a-4_1734521644303.jpg)
If things progress as connections of Ballyburn hope, the sky is his limit. His main target this season is the Arkle Chase at the Cheltenham Festival but, further down the line, the ultimate ambition is to win the 2026 Cheltenham Gold Cup. Ballyburn, who won at Cheltenham in March, is set to enliven Kempton's Christmas calendar.
![[Grand plans are afoot at Chester Racecourse to construct new hospitality and operational facilities at the historic course]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/18/11/93270935-14205381-image-a-5_1734521677204.jpg)
