Tough task for Rothwell ace

Philip Rothwell believes Loughanelteen faces a tough task in the Pierse Hurdle at Leopardstown on Sunday.

Rothwell’s eight-year-old is set to take his chance in the valuable two-mile event, for which he is currently a 14-1 chance with Paddy Power.

The Co Wicklow trainer reports Loughanelteen, a winner of four races over obstacles, to be in fine fettle – even though he was last seen trailing home 14th of 21 runners in the Durkan New Homes Handicap Hurdle at Leopardstown on St Stephen's Day.

But Rothwell, who is hoping to book in-form jockey Davy Russell for the ride, admits he would still be surprised if the gelding is capable of winning such a hot encounter.

“We’ve got nothing to lose,” he said. “But I wouldn’t back the horse at 14-1 as I think it’s a wide-open Pierse Hurdle.

“I don’t think there’s anything with a whole lot of quality and that’s why I believe my own horse has a small each-way chance.

“But I couldn’t possibly say he has a winning chance because I don’t think he’s good enough to win a Pierse Hurdle.

“I think he’s back to his best though and I think he’ll run very well,” Rothwell told At The Races.