Hamilton dreaming of Moscow success

Northern Ireland trainer Brian Hamilton is just hoping for a bit of luck when he seeks a first Festival success with Moscow Mannon in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper at Cheltenham tomorrow.

The Downpatrick handler has had just the one runner at the premier fixture from a small string of about 15 horses.

Moscow Mannon could elevate him into the big time as he goes to the race with three wins under his belt.

"I'm getting excited. Hopefully everything goes all right, we just need a bit of luck," he said.

"Everything's fine. He's travelled over well enough. He's eating and drinking so we can't ask for any more at the minute.

"I had a runner in the Foxhunter three years ago, Chief Oscar, and it's nice to be back with a horse who has a live chance."

Declan Lavery has partnered Moscow Mannon in all his four starts and the amateur keeps the ride, although he cannot claim his 7lb allowance.

"The owners wanted to leave Declan on him and I've no problem with that," Hamilton went on.

"He's 7lb claimer so might lack a bit of experience, but he's not a bad kid to ride and hopefully it will work out OK for him.

"He's surrounded by the best at Willie Mullins' when he rides out there and I'm sure some of that will rub off on him.

"He gets on well with the lads there, the likes of Ruby (Walsh), Patrick (Mullins) and Paul (Townend), and their horses have a squeak too."