Bolger cross country hopefuls go on trial at Punchestown

Enda Bolger is hoping to have a clearer picture of his team for the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham in a couple of weeks time.

Some potential challengers for the festival will go on trial in a banks race at Punchestown on Sunday February 14th.

Bolger won four of the first five runnings of the cross country chase at Cheltenham and his most recent winner was Josies Orders in 2016.

“We have a few to run at Punchestown that could stake a claim to run in the cross country race at Cheltenham,” said the Co. Limerick based handler.

“Shady Operator could run at Punchestown and Midnight Maestro, who won the opportunity handicap at Leopardstown over Christmas, could go there as well. He’s in the National Trial at Punchestown on the same day.

“That race at Cheltenham is fairly hot now, you have to be up in the 140s (rating).

“At Cheltenham they run the good horses because you can brush through the hedges whereas at Punchestown you really have to know how to jump the double banks. It’s a different technique.”