O’Neill weighs up Cowboy options
O’Neill’s hurdler has not been seen since his victory over former stablemate Iris’s Gift in the Punchestown Champion Stayers Hurdle in April 2004.
Before that, he handed out a beating to Rooster Booster in the Aintree Hurdle. Owned by John Magnier, the Be My Native gelding struck up a rewarding partnership with the owner’s son, JP Magnier, who is likely to renew his acquaintance when Rhinestone Cowboy returns to action.
However, O’Neill reported the 10-year-old is by no means a definite for the Haydock race he won three seasons ago.
“He might not go at the weekend, we could wait until the new year,” reflected the Jackdaws Castle handler.
Meanwhile, Red-hot Ladbrokes World Hurdle favourite Black Jack Ketchum emerged unscathed from his long-awaited reappearance at Cheltenham last Saturday.
O’Neill’s unbeaten star, who readily landed the Group Two “Relkeel” Hurdle at the weekend, is an even-money favourite with the sponsors to take the stayers’ crown back at Prestbury Park in March. Another visit to Cheltenham for the Cleeve Hurdle next month had been suggested, but O’Neill has not confirmed that as the concrete plan.
“He’s grand,” said the Jackdaws Castle handler.“I’m not sure where he will run yet, we haven’t got that far.”
