Aintree and Auteuil options for Liane

Tom Cooper is looking at races at Aintree and Auteuil as well as Cheltenham for River Liane following his fine effort in the Toshiba Irish Champion Hurdle.

The Tralee trainer believes the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham in March might be one year too soon for the five-year-old.

River Liane belied his inexperience by finishing third to Brave Inca at Leopardstown on Sunday.

Cooper might consider a crack at Cheltenham this spring should the ground be soft. If not, he has the Aintree Hurdle and the French Champion Hurdle to fall back on.

"For a baby I was very happy with him. He's a horse for the future. He might just not be a Champion Hurdle contender this year, but next year without a doubt," said Cooper.

"He won't run before Cheltenham, but whether he goes there or not I don't know. If it came up soft we might think about it. If not we'll have a look at Aintree and we'll have a look at France in June for their Champion Hurdle.

"The Aintree Hurdle over two and a half miles on a flat track would be fine for him as he has a very high cruising speed. We'll keep the options open."