Venalmar to tackle big guns

Exciting novice Venalmar is poised to make a challenge to some of the top British and Irish stayers in the Ladbrokes.com World Series Hurdle at Punchestown.

Mouse Morris’ gelding was only just cut down by Fiveforthree in an epic finish for the Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival last time.

And while Venalmar is also entered in the Land Rover Champion Novice Hurdle at the big meeting later this month, challenging the likes of Blazing Bailey and Kazal in the main event seems to be on the agenda.

“He’ll more than likely go to Punchestown and probably run in the Ladbroke race,” said Morris.

“I want to send him over fences next season and the ground will probably be on the good side so it’s worth taking a chance.”

While Venalmar certainly holds a high position in the Morris yard with regard to the future, Irish Grand National winner Hear The Echo is the current main earner.

However, he has done his work for this season with Morris adding: “Hear The Echo has just gone on his summer holiday and will be back next season.”