Sheehy retains Trafford faith

Dusty Sheehy is convinced Trafford Lad stays three miles even though the gelding lost his unbeaten record over fences when tackling that distance for the first time at Leopardstown.

He was caught close to home and went down by half a length to Casey Jones in the Grade One Knight Frank Novice Chase last Sunday.

“He just got there too soon, about a furlong too soon, and idled a bit in front,” said the Co. Kilkenny trainer.

“He got the three miles no bother. He just had to wait and take a pull and he’d have got there easy. I have no questions about going back to three miles at any time.”

However, Sheehy has nominated the Dr PJ Moriarty Novice Chase back at Leopardstown on February 8 as Trafford Lad’s next objective.

“He’ll go back there for the PJ Moriarty on February 8. It’s an ideal race and two miles five is a nice trip for him,” he added.