Ebadiyan close to return

Oliver Brady aims to get Ebadiyan back on the track in about three weeks to start a season he hopes will culminate in a crack at the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle.

The grey gelding was a Grade Three winner at Punchestown last winter but crashed through the rails and ran out at the second-last in the Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

“He’s really going well worked and worked lovely at Navan last Wednesday,” the County Monaghan trainer told At The Races.

“He’s a little bit short as yet, but he’s in great form and everything is pointing in the right way.

“The Champion Hurdle is the one, but I’m not in a big rush with him because it’s a long way to March.

“He’s not a no-hoper (in the Champion Hurdle). He’s strengthened well and he’s doing well.

“You’ll see him within three weeks, but I’m not sure which race he’ll be going to yet.

“One more piece of work and he’ll be ready to do himself justice.

“I’d like to think he’ll win first time out when we get him out.”