Tammys aims to book Cheltenham place

Trainer Liam Lennon is hoping Tammys Hill can book his place at next month's Cheltenham Festival with victory in the John McCarthy Memorial Hunters Chase at Fairyhouse on Saturday.

The eight-year-old made a superb start to the season by beating last year's Cheltenham Foxhunter hero Salsify at both Wexford and Down Royal, but roles were reversed at Leopardstown as Salsify claimed victory in the dying strides.

Tammys Hill is normally partnered by owner Patrick Smyth's son, James, but he is serving a suspension this weekend and Mark O'Hare has been booked for the ride.

Lennon said: "Everything is good and he runs on Saturday.

"James knows the horse inside out and thinks he thrives on racing, so we'll get this weekend out of the way and go from there.

"We had a lot of snow over here and James was of the opinion that he just blew up at Leopardstown last time.

"We certainly weren't disappointed to get beaten by Salsify and we look forward to Saturday."