Cheltenham Festival News: Dunvegan not ruled out of Champion Chase bid
- Planet Sport writer
- 8 February 2022
Trainer Pat Fahy says he can’t now rule out a crack at the Queen Mother Champion Chase with Dunvegan, who put up a tremendous effort behind Chacun Pour Soi over the weekend.
The nine-year-old couldn't hold a candle to Chacun Pour Soi in the Grade 1 Dublin Chase at Leopardstown on Sunday, but the dual Fairyhouse handicap winner still took a couple of notable scalps in Greaneteen and Captain Guinness.
Although there is a realisation that to win at that level will clearly require improvement from the grey, connections were encouraged that he got to within 12 lengths of Willie Mullins' star chaser and now know that he would not look out of
Owned by George Turner and the Clipper Logistics Group, he is now favourite with some firms for the Grand Annual Chase, which takes place on the same day, while the 40-1 about him for the Champion Chase is probably not too wide of the mark.
However, the County Carlow handler is taking a watching brief before making any firm decision.
Fahy said: "We were delighted with that. It was a good run in a Grade 1.
"We don't know what the plan is to be honest. We are going to do a lot of thinking about it over the next week or two.
"We will see him back on the gallops again and then give him a rest after that, and make a plan from there.
"He seems to have taken the race well, but you know yourself, it's only a few days later when they let you know if they have taken too much out of themselves.
"They can be in great form two days afterwards, but four days afterwards things can start taking effect."
Dunvegan's jumping is a major asset and Fahy feels the horse has the right temperament to handle himself against the best at Cheltenham.
"The quality of the Champion Chase, we'll have to think about that. We'll give plenty of thought about that, or we might show up in something else.
"Sunday's run put him in the mix and we know we can go for races like that and make plans. It showed he can compete at that level.
"But things can change. Horses that are firing and flying today, they might not keep that up. So there is no point in dreaming too high - and no point in hiding from things either.
"It is hard enough getting them there. So, we'll see how he is over the next few days and weeks and then make a plan."
