The Edward O’Grady trained Rigidity was an impressive winner on his hurdling debut in the Shantou At Burgage Stud Maiden Hurdle at Gowran Park today, but may bypass Cheltenham in favour of Aintree.

Ridden by Andrew McNamara, the smart Flat performer had little difficulty accounting for his rivals, proving much too strong for Devils Bit

Afterwards O’Grady stated “I’ll have a chat with Rigidity’s owner (Thomas Barr) before making a decision but my gut feeling is to maybe run him in a winners’ of one hurdle at Limerick in the middle of March before going to Aintree. He’s the type of horse who may need to strengthen up a bit.”

Thomas Weekes