Hughes delays Demophilos hurdling bow
The five-year-old was entered in a maiden at the County Meath track but Hughes has decided not to run as the race “comes a week too early”.
“I don’t have anything else in mind but I’ll try and find a similar race for him next month,” Hughes said.
“He’s been schooling very well at home and has put in some good efforts.”
The son of Dr Devious was a top-drawer performer on the level but has only raced twice since his second to Milan in Doncaster’s Classic, when he was trained by Amanda Perrett.
“He was a good horse on the Flat but he had leg problems,” the Kildare-based trainer continued.
“We have looked after his legs and hopefully, given his Flat form, he could be top-class.”
Meanwhile, Tiutchev, who like a number of chasers began the current campaign with a run over hurdles, is to return to what he does best in the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase on Sunday week.
The Martin Pipe-trained gelding pleased his connections when fourth in the Tote Silver Trophy at Chepstow, a run which is felt has improved the veteran, who could meet the likes of Beef Or Salmon, Keen Leader and Truckers Tavern in Ireland.
Jerry Wright, spokesman for Tiutchev’s owners, said: “Martin tells me the horse has schooled over fences recently and that he’s very happy with him.
“The John Durkan is over his optimum distance of two and a half miles and, although there may not be many runners, it looks like being a hot contest.”
