Mount Colah on his way to victory at Navan last Sunday© Photo Healy Racing
Mount Colah is set to be aimed at a Listed prize at Thurles in the New Year after an impressive victory at Navan.
Jerry Cosgrave's charge proved a classy novice last season and blew away his opposition in a competitive looking Foxrock Handicap Chase on Sunday.
Cosgrave feels the Beneficial gelding has improved this season and he will skip Christmas with Thurles in mind.
"He was very impressive on Sunday and this year he has grown up a bit and settled," said Cosgrave.
"We put the hood on which helped. He always pulled too hard and was too hard on himself.
"He is certainly a two-miler but he gets two-and-a-half, which he showed on Sunday. If it stays like that it opens up plenty of options.
"There is nothing other than Grade Ones for him over Christmas and we don't want to go there just yet.
"There is a nice Listed race at Thurles on January 5 and I think that's where we'll head as he goes well around there."
The eight-year-old has proven a star for the northern trainer and Cosgrave is delighted to be handling such a smart individual.
He said: "He's the best I've gotten to keep. I've had some very good horses before but never got to keep them as they've been sold on.
"It's nice that Noel (McParlan) has gotten to ride him every time also. While he doesn't make any mistakes he'll keep on him. He knows him inside out and gets on very well with him."
