Share this story
Un De Sceaux’s part-owner Colm O’Connell has confirmed that he is fully focused on helping the seven-year-old secure victory in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March.
The bay gelding is the 2.75 favourite to seal victory in the two mile race, although a surprise fall at Leopardstown on Sunday may lead to questions on his chances of coming out on top at Prestbury Park.
O’Connell is hopeful that the Willie Mullins-trained horse did not suffer an injury during the fall, and he has confirmed that his next outing is likely to be either the Tied Cottage Chase at Punchestown or Ascot’s Clarence House Chase.
He said: “If he’s all right, and I haven’t heard any different, I’d imagine a decision will be made about where next in about a week. There aren’t many options before Cheltenham, the Tied Cottage and the Clarence House and that’s it, unless Willie finds something in France.”
The Irishman is confident that Un De Sceaux can earn victory in the Champion Chase, even though the French horse will face stern opposition in the form of Sprinter Sacre and Sire De Grugy.
He added: “We’ve got our eyes on one prize, in March, we’ve got a genius trainer and I’m sure he’ll be 100% on the day.”
Un De Sceaux has already secured a number of Grade One victories during his career including successes in the Arkle Novice Chase, the Arkle Challenge Trophy and the Ryanair Novice Chase during 2015.
Leave a comment
Link Dafabet