Mahon keen to start Silverfort over fences

Stephen Mahon is looking forward to sending Silverfort over fences in the Michael English Plays July 27th Beginners Steeplechase at Limerick today.

His six-year-old gelding came in fourth to Mr Showtime in a bumper at Roscommon in May and was heavily backed at the same venue this month, but clipped heels and unseated when well in contention over half a mile from home.

"He's a big three-mile chaser, that's why I'm not sparing him going chasing. He jumps well, if anything he is too brave. He has schooled well. He wouldn't be a flashy two-mile bumper horse," Mahon said.

The County Galway trainer has hit form ahead of the Festival with three winners in the last few weeks. Rocky Court represents him in the featured Limerick GAA Steeplechase and on ratings has it all to do. However, Mahon believes he could be in the hunt for prize money.

"He is going to go to Galway and I want to have a pop around to blow the cobwebs away. I think he is better suited to two and a quarter miles," Mahon said.

"He is in good order and could serve it up to them if the others don't perform to their ratings."

Mahon is optimistic over Whenthewindblows chances in the Limerick Racecourse On Twitter Handicap Hurdle.

The five-year-old gelding attracted plenty of support on the same evening in Roscommon when coming home third in an extended two mile handicap hurdle.

Mahon said: "He has had jumping issues in the past and made a bad mistake the last day. Robbie Dunne should suit him and iron any creases out in his jumping. He has a good chance."