Drinmore news and views

Buckers Bridge (left)
(Healy Racing Photos)

High-class hurdler Arvika Ligeonniere was sidelined for over two years with injury before making a brilliant debut over fences at Punchestown in May.

Little has gone right for Mikael D'Haguenet since falling at the last when looking the likely winner of the Grade One contest in 2010.

He was, however, going to win easily at Punchestown a couple of weeks ago until being brought to a standstill by a horrendous blunder at the final obstacle.

Heading the challenge to the Mullins team is Henry de Bromhead's Buckers Bridge, who won two bumpers and vindicated his trainer's decision to go straight over fences with victory at Punchestown in October.

He's plunged in at the deep end here with his handler bemoaning the lack of options for his promising chaser.

"He was perhaps fortunate to win the last day but we were delighted that he did," de Bromhead told sportinglife.com.

"I would love to run him in an ordinary novice chase but there's not many opportunities.

"He's in good form. We'll have a look at it later in the week and talk to the owner but I would think he'll run."

Dedigout and Sword Of Destiny add further strength in depth to a quality field.

My Murphy, Pride Of The Artic and Texas Jack complete the entries.