Bunting (FR): A Horse to Keep an Eye on This Spring

As we move into the 2025 racing season, Bunting (FR) is looking like one to watch for the big spring meetings. Owned by Tony Bloom and trained by Willie Mullins, this 5-year-old gelding has shown plenty of promise so far, and his current handicap mark of 135 suggests he could be well placed to make an impact.

What Has He Done So Far?

Bunting got off the mark with an impressive maiden hurdle win at Limerick in December 2023, cruising home by 8 lengths on testing ground. That performance marked him out as a horse with ability, but his subsequent runs at Grade 1 level have been more modest. He finished mid-division in competitive novice hurdles at Punchestown and Cheltenham, showing glimpses of his talent but also indicating he might need a bit more time before stepping up to the top level.

In his most recent run at Clonmel, Bunting finished second in a 2m1f hurdle on soft ground. He led for much of the race and stayed on well despite a mistake late on. It was an encouraging effort that suggests he’s more than capable of holding his own in good-quality handicaps.

Why is He Interesting?

All of Bunting’s runs so far have been on soft or heavy ground, but his pedigree suggests quicker conditions in the spring shouldn’t be a problem. That opens the door to potential races like the County Hurdle (2m1f) or the Coral Cup (2m5f) at the Cheltenham Festival. Both would look like realistic targets based on his current form.

Another positive is his versatility. He can make the running or sit just off the pace, which is a handy trait in the big, competitive fields he’s likely to encounter later in the season.

What’s Next?

Before Cheltenham comes into view, Bunting is entered in a Listed handicap hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival. A good performance there would confirm he’s on the right track and could give his connections plenty of confidence heading into the spring.

Final Thoughts

Bunting is a horse with a lot going for him: solid juvenile form, a manageable handicap mark, and the potential to handle better ground. Whether he ends up at Cheltenham or another big meeting, he’s definitely worth keeping in mind for the weeks ahead.