Triumph on O'Grady's mind for Sportsmaster

Edward O'Grady is hoping Sportsmaster can develop into a true contender for the JCB Triumph Hurdle.

The JP McManus owned gelding is likely to be given the chance to go for the four-year-old contest at the Cheltenham Festival, with a run in the Spring 4-Y-O Hurdle at Leopardstown next month along the way.

Sportsmaster is a 25-1 chance for the Triumph after making it second-time lucky over hurdles at Naas earlier this month.

"I'm pleased with him. I would hope he might make a Triumph Hurdle horse," O'Grady told At the Races. "It was disappointing he got wiped at Christmas (hampered and unseated) so we had to change plans a bit.

"He seemed to win a muddling race at Naas, but the form seems to have been franked quite well.

"He'll probably run in the Grade One at Leopardstown on February 12th. That will be his next port of call, I hope.

"If he runs adequately there we'll look forward to the Triumph with him."