O’Connell cautious about Dunguib

JOCKEY Brian O’Connell admits Dunguib will have plenty on his plate as he returns to action in Sunday’s BHP Insurances Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown.

The eight-year-old was a red-hot favourite for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at last year’s Cheltenham Festival after winning each of his four starts, including two Grade One races.

However, he came unstuck at Prestbury Park when third behind Menorah while a step up to full company at the Punchestown Festival saw him finish a well-beaten sixth behind Hurricane Fly.