O'Connell looking forward to Dunguib ride

Brian O'Connell has described Dunguib as a "once in a lifetime horse" ahead of partnering the gelding in the Spinal Research Supreme Novices' Hurdle, the opening race of the 2010 Cheltenham Festival.

The Philip Fenton-trained seven-year-old will be attempting to emulate the exploits of Montelado, the last horse to win the Champion Bumper at the meeting and follow up in the Supreme 12 months later.

O'Connell was in the saddle for his ultra-impressive bumper success last year when he was still an amateur, but turned professional before Dunguib ran in the Grade 1 Royal Bond Novice Hurdle in December.

"The nerves are okay at the moment," said O'Connell

"It helps that I've ridden him in all of his races, I ride him out at home so I know him very well. The experience of last year in the bumper can only help him and the fact that he is a year older, too."

"He feels a bit stronger this year. He's seven now so he's probably done all his growing, but he has maybe matured a bit. I'm sure there'll be plenty of excitement with it being the first race and he can get worked up, but being over there last year must help him so I think he'll be okay."

"I only turned pro this season and to be riding him, well, he's a once in a lifetime horse, you could spend your whole career looking for a horse like this. I have had a few outside rides this season, but Dunguib winning would certainly be a big boost to my career."