Menorah likely to head for Punchestown

PHILIP Hobbs believes Menorah is better than he showed when beaten into fifth place behind Hurricane Fly in Tuesday’s Stan James Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.

The six-year-old returned to Prestbury Park unbeaten in three course starts having won the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle a year ago and the Greatwood and International Hurdle earlier this season.

But he proved no match for the smooth-travelling Hurricane Fly, and Hobbs will give his charge a thorough check-up before deciding if he runs again before the end of the campaign.