Bearnai to take Hennessy chance

Tom Gibney is still planning to run Lion Na Bearnai in the Hennessy Gold Cup Chase – although the trainer would have preferred to have been able to give this year’s Irish National winner a prep run in advance.

Former jockey Gibney runs a very small operation outside Kells in County Meath and saddled his 10-year-old to cause two huge upsets during last season.

After striking at 50-1 in the Ten Up Novice Chase at Navan, Lion Na Bearnai managed to reward his supporters at 33-1 in the Fairyhouse Easter marathon.

“We’re looking to go to Newbury. I’d wanted to give him a run before, but it didn’t work out,” said Gibney.

“Everything didn’t go to plan as we had a bug in the yard for a fortnight. I hope I’ve done plenty of work with him, but I’d be hopeful rather than confident.”