A jubilant Ruby Walsh after Clondaw Warrior's Galway Hurdle victory© Photo Healy Racing
Clondaw Warrior enjoys a significant drop in class in the Jim Strang & Sons Kilsheelan (Peugeot) Hurdle at Clonmel on Thursday.
The Willie Mullins-trained gelding claimed Royal Ascot glory in last year's Ascot Stakes in the hands of Ryan Moore and benefited from an inspired ride by Ruby Walsh to win the Galway Hurdle earlier this summer.
The nine-year-old then travelled to Chicago and ran a fantastic race to fill the runner-up spot in the American St Leger before failing to fire on his latest start in the Doncaster Cup three months ago.
Clondaw Warrior carries the colours of the Act D Wagg Syndicate - which includes Walsh's wife Gillian - and the multiple champion jockey gets back on board for his return to the jumping game.
Assistant trainer Patrick Mullins said: "It looks a good opportunity and Ruby thinks three miles will suit.
"He stays well on the Flat, so hopefully he will over hurdles and it will open up a few more options.
"We have to give Taglietelle 10lb and he's only rated 2lb below us, so he is probably the one to look at."
Clondaw Warrior is the highest-rated runner in a field of seven set to go to post for the three-mile feature.
Gordon Elliott's Taglietelle comes out best on official figures, but his recent form is fairly uninspiring and he is back in action just five days after pulling up in a beginners' chase at Fairyhouse.
Shanpallas won a valuable handicap at Ballinrobe for trainer Charles Byrnes and owner JP McManus earlier in the year, but was a disappointing favourite behind Simenon when last seen contesting a conditions event at Cork in July.
Captainofthefleet, Gerdago, Montys Meadow and Val De Ferbet complete the line-up.
