Enjoy D'Allen will make a return to banks races at weekend. © Photo Healy Racing
Trainer Ciaran Murphy is hoping that returning to Cross Country racing might relight the fire in former leading Aintree Grand National contender Enjoy D'Allen.
Bought privately by J.P. McManus after finishing third in the 2021 Paddy Power Handicap Chase at Leopardstown, the gelding had filled a similar position in the Irish Grand National earlier that year.
However, having unseated at the first fence at Aintree in April 2022, the now 10-year-old has failed to win in 14 subsequent starts.
Ahead of his intended run at Punchestown over the weekend, Murphy reported of the horse: "Obviously, he has been disappointing - there is no other word for it.
"This could reinvigorate him and he will go there if the ground isn't too quick there, we would like it on the soft side. There is a chance it could light a fire under him.
"He doesn't help us out a whole lot now and he needs to latch on to the bridle there and help us a bit.
"He had a nice run over hurdles in Galway.
"Probably Limerick at Christmas will be the main aim for him at this stage."
Additional reporting by Michael Graham.
