Lounaos on Cheltenham trail

EOIN GRIFFIN is hoping Lounaos can atone for a disappointing show at last year’s Cheltenham Festival with an improved effort this season.

The five-year-old was sent off favourite for last year’s JCB Triumph Hurdle but could finish only 10th behind Katchit.

Lounaos was last seen when fourth in the AIG Europe Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown but Griffin is planning a step up in trip for the David Nicholson Mares’ Only Hurdle at the Festival.