Beau Michael to have Triumph prep at Fairyhouse

Personal Column´s victory at Leopardstown yesterday has boosted Ado McGuinness´ hopes of JCB Triumph Hurdle glory with Beau Michael, as his juvenile made all to beat Jessica Harrington´s charge at Punchestown last month.

"He´ll run at Fairyhouse in the Grade Two Winning Fair Juvenile Hurdle on Saturday week (February 23)," said McGuinness, who has yet to train a winner at the Cheltenham Festival.

"I was delighted to see Jessie´s horse win yesterday. The form of the two races he has won could not have worked out any better. The only thing is that my horse has only performed on soft ground, but it would have been quick enough at Leopardstown at Christmas.

"He beat Siege Of Ennis easy enough that day and we know that he is thought of highly. He´s improving all the time with racing and all we need now is a bit of luck.

"He has made the running so far but only because nothing else has. Davy (Russell) has said he wouldn´t have to be in front, and in a race like the Triumph they are not going to crawl.

"When he got back the last time, Davy said to me ´you have to be thinking about Cheltenham now´. He is a very good jumper and with a juvenile who is quick over hurdles, you have won half the battle."