Halford looks to Fairyhouse

Michael Halford is aiming his high-class bumper horse Mr McAuley towards a hurdling debut at Fairyhouse on Saturday, although he warned that the gelding would be better for the race.

The six-year-old, who was fifth behind Total Enjoyment in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival, has been entered in the two-mile One Maiden Hurdle.

He had previously caught the eye of many seasoned racegoers when running out an impressive 10-length victor of a bumper at Down Royal in February, and the Curragh trainer has given him plenty of time to mature.

And he will wait further if the going is too testing.

“He’s in good form, ready to run, although he would not want to run on heavy ground,” said Halford

“He has schooled well, I haven’t been in a hurry with him since Cheltenham, although I had plans to run a fortnight ago but the ground was too heavy.

“I am looking forward to running him, his form is good and he has been jumping well. He will be better for the run as I have not got very serious with him, but it is a decent enough race, a good test for him.

“I would not be terribly disappointed if he was beaten, as I have left a bit to work with.”

Halford is fluid with his plans for the horse after Saturday, but added: “You’d be hoping he would develop into a Cheltenham horse, that would be the long-term plan, but if he wins on Saturday, he would go for one of the good novice races around Christmas.”

Halford also had news of his other stable star, Golden Cross, who landed a competitive December Festival Hurdle at Leopardstown last year, but has been kept off the track since Halford discovered heat in his legs before the Punchestown Festival.

“I’d imagine he would start back in light exercise in the New Year, but I would say he was gone for the season, as by the time he is back, there will not be any cut in the ground.”