Colonel Mustard© Photo Healy Racing
Colonel Mustard will revert to hurdles with a crack at the Grade 1 Chanelle Pharma Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown next month being considered by connections.
The Makfi gelding has always been held in high regard by connections and a series of placed efforts last season included a third to State Man in the Grade 1 Paddy Power Champion Hurdle at the Punchestown Festival.
Lorna Fowler’s charge reappeared over fences this term when second to Found A Fifty at Down Royal before disappointing in the Newbury Grade 2 won by Hermes Alllen.
“He’s going to go back over hurdles. He schooled the other day and was very relieved not to see an open ditch in front of him!” said Fowler.
“I have an entry in for the Champion Hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival and there are a few options in the UK, but I haven’t decided where he will go yet.
“Given his rating you are limited as to where you can go and what you can do but it will be hurdles and pretty much two miles.
“He was fine after running at Newbury last time — he looked after himself. I don’t think he minds the jumping but it’s just not his thing. He’s not going to attack them, and you are not going to get the result out of him over fences that you can get over hurdles.
“He’s in his element over hurdles so we’ll stick to that.”
