Hennessy for Irish Hussar

Nicky Henderson has given Irish Hussar the go ahead to run in Saturday’s Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury.

Encouraged by the recent rain and a forecast of more later in the week, Henderson is set to pitch his seven-year-old in at the deep end for his first run of the season.

Speaking from Warwick, the Seven Barrows trainer said: “Newbury has had more rain than they have here and the plan is to run.

“Even if it’s good to soft in places that will do and the horse is in great form.

“There is an alternative race at Sandown the following weekend but we feel that now is the time to ask him a serious question and at this moment in time he runs at Newbury.”

Irish Hussar attracted support with Ladbrokes today and has been trimmed from 6-1 to 11-2 joint-favourite with Strong Flow, trained by Paul Nicholls.

Strong Flow is also in a novice chase at Newbury on Sunday and Nicholls reiterated that no decision has yet been made.

“We got some decisions to make. I’m having dinner with the owner tonight then we’ll probably have a better idea what we are going to do,” the Ditcheat trainer told attheraces.

“I have always said I will decide on Friday just to make sure he is right. If everything is right and we are happy with the ground the Hennessy is a strong possibility.

“There are lots of things to consider. He might look a good thing on Sunday in the novice chase which could be tempting so I’ll have a good talk to the owner and we’ll talk to Ruby (Walsh) and see what’s right for the horse.”