Beef on target for Mate clash
Ireland’s top staying chaser has recovered from an overreach suffered when winning the James Nicholson Chase at Down Royal two weeks ago.
“He’s fine now,” reported his trainer Michael Hourigan yesterday.
The handler has short-listed three races next month for the eight-year-old - the O’Connell Transport Hilly Way Chase over two miles at Cork, a race he has won for the last two seasons, followed by the John Durkan Memorial at Punchestown and the Lexus Chase on December 28.
“It’s more likely going to be the Lexus,” said Hourigan.
Beef Or Salmon was third in the corresponding race last Christmas when it was known as the Ericsson Chase.
He was beaten 13 lengths by the winner Best Mate, who is on course for a repeat following his hard-earned victory at Exeter yesterday.
When it was suggested that Best Mate might be travelling over to Ireland again, Hourigan added: “That’ll be fine.”
