Bitin bids to bounce back

Eoin Griffin is hoping Don’t Be Bitin has regained his confidence following a fall at Punchestown in November when he lines up for the Normans Grove Chase at Fairyhouse on Sunday.

The eight-year-old was given a spin over hurdles last time and will wear cheekpieces for the first time.

“He had a fall a few runs ago so we gave him a run back over hurdles just to get his confidence back,” said the County Kilkenny trainer.

“I think he’ll go well and we’re happy with him so we’ll go there and give it a go.

“It’s a small field and we would be wrong in the handicap. He has a tough task. He won a Grade two at Punchestown last year and he has that penalty which makes it that bit more difficult.

“He’s a very consistent type and if the others have an off-day hopefully we can take advantage of it.

“We have cheekpieces on him for the first time hopefully it will be a help.”