Hourigan banking on good Moss run

Michael Hourigan is in bullish mood ahead of Mossbank’s return to the track at Cork this weekend.

The five-year-old, a 12-1 chance with Ladbrokes to win next year’s Royal & SunAlliance Novice Hurdle at Cheltenham, is set to take his chance in the three-mile Eagle Star EBF Novice Hurdle on Saturday.

Hourigan’s charge was a ready winner on his hurdling bow at Limerick in October and consolidated upon that run with another notable success in the two-mile-two-furlong St Margarets Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse earlier this month.

“He runs on Saturday and the trip will suit him down to the ground,” said the County Limerick handler.

“The ground will be fine as well and I think he will run very well.

“Conor (O’Dwyer) wanted to find out what he was like last time and left him with a bit to do.

“But when he got to the front, he won handily enough.”

Despite Mossbank’s clearly progressive nature, Hourigan refused to be drawn on the prospect of him competing at the Cheltenham Festival next March.

“We’ve made no plans and we’ll just get Saturday out of the way first,” he told At The Races.