Straight to Cheltenham for Schindlers Hunt

Schindlers Hunt will head to the Cheltenham Festival for the third successive year following his fine display in last weekend's Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown.

The 10-year-old held a narrow advantage approaching the final fence in the Grade One contest and although a bad mistake cost him his chance, he was far from disgraced in third.

Fourth in the Champion Chase two years ago and third in the Ryanair Chase last year, Dessie Hughes' charge will arrive at Prestbury Park as a leading contender for the latter.

"He made a bad mistake at the last but I wouldn't say he would have won as he's been beaten far enough in the end," said Hughes.

"He still ran a very good race and it seems as though he's improved again.

"He'll go back to Cheltenham now for the Ryanair and he should run another good race as everyone knows he's a better horse on better ground."

Stablemate In Compliance was a creditable fifth in the Hennessy and is also Cheltenham-bound.

"He ran a decent enough race and he will probably go to Cheltenham for one of the handicaps," Hughes continued.

"The race over two miles five (furlongs) on the Thursday will probably be his race (Byrne Group Plate)."