Diablo has Cheltenham option

Mr Diablo could try his luck in the Centenary Novice Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival following his latest creditable effort.

Trainer Philip Dempsey feels the distance of that race, two miles, four and a half furlongs, is ideal for the seven-year-old at this stage of his career.

Dempsey had nothing but praise for Mr Diablo after he went down by two and a quarter lengths to Measureofmydreams in the sportinglife.com Beginners Chase at Punchestown.

"I was happy with Mr Diablo. It's hard to win a beginners' and it's hard to beat that man (Willie Mullins). He did everything right, but still got beaten," said Dempsey.

"We are not sure what direction to go with him now, I'll talk to his owner at the end of the week.

"I was thinking of maybe the novice handicap at the Cheltenham Festival. Two-mile-four, two-mile-five is what he'll run over for the moment, but I think he will get three miles in time."