Power aiming to pack a punch

POWERSTATION is likely to bid for an elusive first Grade One triumph at Punchestown next month following his fine effort in defeat in the World Hurdle.

The 10-year-old filled third spot in the three-mile event for the second year in succession at last week’s Cheltenham Festival and trainer Eamon O’Connell is thrilled with how his charge has taken his exertions.

“He’s come out of it in great form and you wouldn’t know he’d had a race,” said O’Connell.

“He loves it round Cheltenham and in seven runs round there he’s been placed six times, he certainly gets up that hill.

“I’d say it’s more than likely he’ll go to Punchestown now, as long as the ground is right.

“We had talked about maybe going for the French Champion Hurdle with him but the ground will probably be too soft for him over there, so Punchestown is the plan.

“Hopefully Big Buck’s will go to Aintree instead and stay out of the way!

“I think our horse has been placed in three Grade Ones and he’s just been unlucky to run into very good horses.

“Big Buck’s is obviously very good and when we went to Cheltenham as a novice we ran into Black Jack Ketchum.

“It would be great if he could win one and if it’s good ground I’d be hopeful he’d run very well in Punchestown.”