Byrnes cool on Henry Cheltenham bid

Mounthenry is not an intended runner at the Cheltenham Festival – despite running out a convincing winner at Limerick.

Bookmakers Cashmans gave the six-year-old a 33-1 quote for the Anglo Irish Bank Supreme Novices’ Hurdle following his five-length success in the hackettspoker.com Novice Hurdle.

However, trainer Charles Byrnes believes the gelding is not yet quite up to Festival standard.

“Cheltenham isn’t on the cards unless he shows much improvement. At the moment it is not really on the agenda,” said the Co Limerick handler.

“We ran him in a Grade One in Fairyhouse and he finished third (behind Iktitaf) so he’s just a fair bit off Grade One.”

Byrnes was still satisfied with Mounthenry’s performance and is now eyeing a Grade Two hurdle race at Punchestown on February 5.

“He did it well. He handled the ground and had plenty of form on the soft,” added the trainer.

“It was heavy today and he handled it better than the rest of them.

“He might go to Punchestown in three weeks. I’ve got to speak to connections, but that’s where I think we’ll go.”