Horseracing: Festival next stop for Seebald

Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy hope Seebald is on course for the Festival and is likely to head straight for Cheltenham without another run.

The Martin Pipe-trained seven-year-old has an unblemished record over fences, recording seven successive victories for his owners ‘The Macca & Growler Partnership’, alias footballers Steve McManaman and Robbie Fowler.

Seebald’s latest success came at Warwick on soft ground over an extended two and a half miles earlier this month.

The pair’s racing interests are managed by former top-class jockey Graham Bradley and he said today: ‘‘I haven’t spoken to Martin for a couple of days but I think he’s very well, so no problems.

‘‘I think the plan is to go straight for the Arkle. The ground was too soft for him the other day but he still did it well.

This year’s Arkle looks a particularly strong renewal with the likes of Barton, Moscow Flyer, Fondmort and Truckers Tavern also holding strong claims.

But a major plus in Seebald’s favour is that he has twice won over the Arkle course and distance.

Bradley said: ‘‘He’s won twice round Cheltenham and he likes good ground. He’s had seven runs and I think he’s got the experience.

‘‘He’s got the speed for two miles and the stamina for two and a half he’s got all the credentials and is going to take a lot of beating.

‘‘Barton, Moscow Flyer, Fondmort they’re all dangers but every race at Cheltenham is a hot race.’’

On the possibility of Seebald staying longer trips, Bradley said: ‘‘He won over two and a half miles at Warwick on very soft ground so there is a chance that he might get three he might make up into a King George horse one day.’’

His owners rarely get the chance to see their star in action but their fathers are usually on hand to pick up the winner’s accolades.

And Bradley is unsure whether the duo will be on hand to witness Seebald’s biggest test to date.

‘‘It depends on European commitments - but they (the fathers) will be there!’’ he said.