Having penned a ‘Jumps Horses To Follow‘ piece earlier this week, I think I’ve come down with a touch of National Hunt fever so I’ve gone to Listowel on Wednesday for the NAP of the Day.

When JP McManus’ €315,000 purchase FOXFIRE GLOW lined up for a maiden hurdle at Down Royal’s November meeting that trainer Gordon Elliott farms, I don’t think anyone envisaged him taking in a handicap hurdle at Listowel off a mark of 121 almost a year later.

Clearly, things haven’t gone to plan for the son of Vadamos, who was touted by many as a novice hurdler to follow last term.

However, it appears a corner has been turned. Admittedly, a very wide corner with little traffic, but a corner nonetheless.

The French import finally got off the mark at Downpatrick in July, winning an eight-runner maiden by nearly three lengths with his nearest rival pulling over eight clear of the rest oft the field. It’s not strong form, but he clearly enjoyed the drastic step up in trip and the taste of success for he followed up with another victory at Tramore.

He was raised 8lbs for those exploits and now tries handicapping for the first time. I suspect the aforementioned rating of 121 might not stop this improving type, who also tries three miles for the first time.

I think further improvement can be expected, and that the five-year-old can land the hat-trick under regular rider Mark Walsh.