Queally ace is Champion-bound

Al Eile is likely to go for the Smurfit Champion Hurdle without the benefit of a prep run after the abandonment of the meeting at Newbury.

John Queally’s Irish raider was due to complete his Cheltenham Festival preparations by shouldering top weight in the totesport Trophy.

However, with the meeting cancelled due to frost, Queally believes his six-year-old is unlikely to find another opportunity this close to next month’s Festival.

He said: “It was very much the correct decision (to abandon) in my book. I walked the course several times and there is no doubt in my mind.

“He will probably go straight to Cheltenham for the Champion Hurdle now and I don’t think he will have another run beforehand.

“Hopefully, he will then go back to Aintree.”