Fact has wind-op ahead of cross-country

Jamie Snowden’s Cross-Country Chase hope Fact Of The Matter has had a wind operation before his Cheltenham Festival date with destiny next month.

A winner over the unique fences at the December meeting, he had chased home Enda Bolger’s Josies Orders a month earlier and looks like developing into a real specialist at the discipline.

While last year’s winner and subsequent Grand National hero Tiger Roll put down a strong marker when winning the Boyne Hurdle last weekend, Snowden is hoping for a bold show.

“He’s had another wind op, as has Monbeg Theatre (Pertemps Final hope),” said Snowden.

“He’s in great form — and while Tiger Roll looked good the other day, he’s round about 10-1 and deserves to go.

“He’ll need to improve again, but we’re looking forward to it.”