No retirement for Brandy Love as Henrietta Knight confirms star mare will return

Brandy Love: made the breakthrough at Grade 1 level when last seen winning at Fairyhouse in April

Leading Mares' Hurdle contender Brandy Love is set to remain in training for the coming season with connections excited by the prospect of more to come following her impressive Grade 1 breakthrough at Fairyhouse last month.

It seemed unclear whether the extremely talented six-year-old would return to the fray after comments from her trainer Willie Mullins in the aftermath of her eight-length Easter rout.

Speaking immediately afterwards, Mullins had said a decision would be left to owner Mike Grech on whether Brandy Love would be retired to become a broodmare given her increased value as a winner at the highest level.

However, Henrietta Knight, who plays a key role in managing Grech's equine interests, told the Racing Post on Friday that the daughter of Jet Away will be returning for the 2022-23 season.

"She's definitely staying in training," said Knight. "Hopefully she'll do us proud again next season."

Mike Grech (left) and Paul Townend with Brandy Love after winning at Fairyhouse

Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Victory in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Novice Hurdle Championship Final provided some compensation for the camp after a hoof infection at the 11th hour saw Brandy Love ruled out of the Mares' Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

Love Envoi, who made it six career wins in that Grade 2 in March, surrendered her unbeaten record when second to Brandy Love at Fairyhouse after Paul Townend masterfully managed to curb some of the winner's desire to hang left.

Grech's promising performer had memorably spurned a winnable opportunity in the BetVictor Solerina Mares Novice Hurdle in January when jumping and hanging badly left throughout.

"It was great for her last time at Fairyhouse and I think she'll be far better going left-handed," said Knight.

"That foot issue was really irritating before Cheltenham. We're really looking forward to next year."

Thankfully for her connections, Brandy Love will be racing left-handed if making it to Cheltenham next March for a tilt the Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle, a race she is priced up at 7-1 with Paddy Power behind 5-1 joint-favourites Epatante and Marie's Rock.

Watch live races through the Racing Post. Log in to your bookmaker account and look on the racecards for eligible races. Click the red 'Watch live now' icon and they're off! Find out how here