Cork Fitz nicely into Rebel regime

Trainer Michael Winters is considering a trip to Cork later this month for Galway Hurdle hero Rebel Fitz.

The seven-year-old completed a hat-trick in one of the most competitive handicap hurdles of the year following victories on the Flat at Clonmel and in the Grimes Hurdle at Tipperary.

Now rated 154, Rebel Fitz is likely to be plying his trade in Graded company from now on.

The JP McManus Hurdle at Cork on August 26 is his likely next target.

"He's come out of the race in great order and while we haven't made any definite plans for the horse, there is a race in Cork at the end of the month he could go for," said Winters.

"We'll just feel our way with him and keep an open mind, but obviously we're delighted with how he is doing at the moment."

If Rebel Fitz can find more improvement, it is not out of the question he could become a realistic Champion Hurdle contender, but Winters is keen not to get too far ahead of himself.

"If we go to Cork we could then go to Tipperary in the middle of October and you might meet one or two of the winter horses there and learn a bit more," said the Co Cork trainer.

"It would be a dream to go to Cheltenham and places like that but we're just taking it one step at a time at the moment.

"I was talking with the handicapper the other day and he says we've got about a stone to find with Hurricane Fly, so we've got a way to go yet.

"He's a good jumper and we could go chasing if we decided to go that way."