Cheltenham a possible for Hennessy

Mark Pitman is aiming Hennessy for a possible tilt at the Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival.

Pitman’s charge was only beaten a neck in a competitive bumper at Taunton on Monday – despite carrying seven pounds more than winner Willie Pep.

“We were absolutely delighted with him,” said Pitman.

“It was a pretty warm contest and we knew that Charlie Egerton thought a fair bit of his (Willie Pep) so to be only beaten a neck was a fine performance.

“After a run like that we have to seriously consider the Champion Bumper and he will go there with every chance.”

Although the official going at Taunton was good, Pitman thinks his charge will be suited by even better ground.

“He just seemed to get a little bit lost on the loose ground on the bends,” added the trainer.

“And Carl (Llewellyn) believes a stronger-run race and better ground will suit him even more.”

Meanwhile, Pitman’s useful handicapper Run For Paddy, who finished fourth in a Cheltenham handicap won by the impressive Joacci on New Year’s Day, could be primed for the Scottish Grand National at Ayr in April.

“We were talking to the owners on Monday about future targets as he ran a very good race because he was carrying quite a fair bit of weight,” explained Pitman.

“I think he could be a Scottish National horse in the long run.

“We did talk about the Aintree Grand National but that probably wouldn’t be the right race for him but he could well turn out to be either an Irish or Scottish National type.”