Fact has wind-op ahead of cross-country

Published at Feb 21, 2019, 16:42

Fact Of The Matter (right)
© Healy Racing Photos

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.”

Latest Stories which may interest you

Moore sides with True Love in 1,000 Guineas rematch

Ryan Moore will be on board True Love as the daughter of No Nay Never bids to add to her English 1,000 Guineas victory when facing 11 rivals in the Tattersalls Irish 1,000 Guineas at the Curragh on Sunday.

Paddy Kiely on his first winner - 'My daughter was in school the next day and everyone on the bus was talking about it'

In horse racing, your first winner is always described as the sweetest. For Patrick Kiely, a dream many years in the making came true when Dromana Mist won the Wexford Racecourse Mares' Maiden Hurdle.

Clonmel chase races reallocated to Listowel, Punchestown & Roscommon

Following the cancellation of the three steeplechase races from Clonmel’s Friday June 5 meeting due to current ground conditions and a prolonged period of mainly dry and warm weather, Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) has announced the following changes to a number of race meetings.

Saxon Street looking to gatecrash Derby party

Saxon Street goes on trial for the Derby in the British Stallion Studs EBF Cocked Hat Stakes at Goodwood on Saturday.