Rothwell expects Rathlin progress

Philip Rothwell believes there is plenty of improvement to come from Rathlin ahead of his run in the Rathbarry & Glenview Studs Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse tomorrow.

The Gigginstown House Stud-owned gelding was having only his fourth run under Rules when finishing sixth in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle last month.

He did not enjoy the perfect preparation before that race, however, and the trainer expects to see an even better performance from the six-year-old.

“I was pleased with his run at Cheltenham but he should be able to improve on that,” said Rothwell.

“My horses had been pretty unhealthy over the winter and he went to the Supreme on the back of a course of antibiotics, so we hope that he’ll be healthier and better than that.

“I just hope that the ground is going to be safe.

“He was one of the least experienced runners in the Supreme but he’s very professional about what he does and we probably made too much use of him. Maybe I learned more than he did over there.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing him go chasing next year and hopefully the ground is safe.”