THE Brits took a walloping at last year’s Cheltenham Festival as Irish trainers won an incredible 23 out of 28 races.
And it could be the same story again next month with a host of superstars in the hands of Willie Mullins, Gordon Elliott and Henry De Bromhead.
But another British hope has emerged after a dazzling display at Haydock on Saturday.
All rise for HILLCREST, who was simply superb in taking the Grade 2 Prestige Hurdle ahead of some decent rivals.
It wasn’t just the fact that the seven-year-old won by eight lengths, it was the way he did it that really caught the eye.
He catches the eye anyway with trainer Henry Daly reporting that the seven-year-old is too tall to measure!
He was hassled for the first circuit by Green Book but swatted that useful Venetia Williams performer away like an annoying fly as he galloped him into the ground.
There was time for jockey Richard Patrick to give his mount a breather before he charged up the home straight, skipping over the final two flights like they weren’t there.
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The ground was really testing and, with all the rain we’ve been having, it could well come up on the soft side at Cheltenham next month.
The time he clocked was excellent despite the conditions and he looks ideal for the Albert Bartlett.
There is still some 9-2 around and, with non-runner, no bet in force, you’ll get your money back if connections opt to wait for Aintree.
It’s good to see Daly with a classy horse to attack the Festivals and in the colours of the late Trevor Hemmings too.
The Shropshire trainer has three Cheltenham winners on the board and there’s every chance he’ll make it four with this giant talent in all senses of the word.
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