All Eyes (and Hearts) on Impaire Et Passe in the RED MILLS Chase This Valentine’s Day
This Saturday, February 14th, 2026, Gowran Park will host the eagerly anticipated RED MILLS Day, featuring the Grade 3 RED MILLS Hurdle and the Grade 2 RED MILLS Chase. With declarations now confirmed, both races promise to deliver high-quality National Hunt action headed by the return of multiple Grade 1 winner Impaire Et Passe.
RED MILLS Hurdle (1.20pm): Competitive Field Go to Post
The Grade 3 RED MILLS Hurdle has attracted a strong field of eight runners, with leading trainers well represented.
Willie Mullins fields a three-strong team comprising Kawaboomga, Kel Histoire, and Storm Heart, as he bids to continue his excellent record on RED MILLS Day.
Representing JP McManus and partnered by Mark Walsh is the French-sourced Kawaboomga, an impressive maiden hurdle winner when last seen in January 2025. He is the chosen mount of Walsh among the McManus runners in the line-up—often a significant indicator. He steps into deeper waters here, but profiles as a horse with the scope to progress into graded company. Storm Heart is owned by Gigginstown House Stud and the mount of Paul Townend. A winner at Christmas he previously finished second in a Grade 1 juvenile hurdle and his class and upward trajectory make him a compelling contender.
They face stiff opposition from Farren Glory, the former Grade 1 winner trained by Gordon Elliott. A Derby Sale graduate, he announced himself early on by winning his bumper before going on to secure Grade 1 honours in the Royal Bond. Connections experimented with a switch to chasing, but he now reverts to hurdles—arguably the discipline in which he showed his most potent form. Back in this sphere, he brings proven top-level class, and if rediscovering his peak hurdling rhythm, he sets a formidable standard.
Eagles Reign from the Ross O’Sullivan yard. Lisnagar Fortune (John McConnell) add further depth, while Workahead represents Waterford trainer Henry de Bromhead and Yeah Man runs for 2026 Thyestes winning trainer Gavin Cromwell.
With proven class throughout the line-up, the RED MILLS Hurdle looks set to be a fiercely competitive contest.
RED MILLS Chase (3.40pm): Impaire Et Passe the Headline Act
The Grade 2 RED MILLS Chase sees a high-class quartet go to post, headed by the star attraction Impaire Et Passe. The Willie Mullins-trained multiple Grade 1 winner makes his return to action and brings Grade 1 form to the feature contest.
Mullins is doubly represented, with Classic Getaway, a winner of this race in 2025, also declared as he seeks repeat glory with Danny Mullins in the plate.
They take on Sa Fureur from the Gordon Elliott yard and Buddy One, trained by Paul Gilligan, in what promises to be a compelling renewal.
Grade 3 Surehaul Mercedes-Benz Novice Hurdle Transferred
In addition, following the cancellation of Clonmel’s fixture on Thursday, the Grade 3 Surehaul Mercedes-Benz Novice Hurdle, which had been scheduled to be run there, has been transferred to Gowran Park and will now take place this Saturday, February 14th.
With top-class performers, competitive fields and an additional Grade 3 contest added to the programme, RED MILLS Day 2026 promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the Irish jumps season.
Off the track, style will once again take centre stage with the popular fashion competition, which this year will be judged by podcaster and presenter James Kavanagh alongside fashion stylist Marieta Doran.
Adding to the atmosphere on the day, popular band After Dark will perform live after racing, ensuring racegoers can enjoy top-class sport and entertainment into the evening.
This will be a ticket-only event, with no tickets available on the gate.
