Eile set to bypass Ayr

John Queally says it is “unlikely” Al Eile will contest Saturday’s Samsung Electronics Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr.

The Co Waterford-based handler was thrilled to see his charge land a second Baltika Beer Aintree Hurdle at the weekend, but does not want to rush his stable star back into action too quickly.

“I had him entered in the Scottish Champion and I wouldn’t make up my mind until Wednesday, but I’d think that is unlikely,” Queally said.

“He was a bit tired when he got home and I suppose that’s just with the heat and all the travelling, so with just a week in between, it might be asking a bit much of him.

“The Flat beckons for him now and you’d have thought he’d been around for a lifetime but he’s still only seven.”

Al Eile had been sidelined with niggling problems for much of the campaign, but Queally reports him to be fine following Saturday’s exploits.

“He’s absolutely fine and he’s 110%. I’m very happy with him,” he added. “It was great to see him come back like that as we’ve had a very frustrating year with him. He might even be a bit better than he was judging by Saturday.”