Goonyella has hurdles outing at Thurles Grand National hope Goonyella gets a spin over hurdles at Thurles on Wednesday when he makes his first start in handicap company over the smaller obstacles. The Presenting gelding heads the weights for the Thurles Handicap Hurdle as he switches tack after finishing in mid-division in the Becher Chase at Aintree last month. Jim Dreaper is eyeing a return to Liverpool in April for his charge, who has excelled over marathon trips, including when winning the Midlands National at Uttoxeter last March. Two miles and six furlongs over hurdles wouldn't be ideal for Goonyella, but he does enjoy a 25lb lower mark over timber and has some fine form over the smaller obstacles in the past. On the pick of his form, which includes runner-up efforts to Plinth and Don Poli, he looks nicely treated in this company. Novice Just Cause also makes his handicap debut in the contest and looks on a fair mark. He has run into a couple of decent rivals on recent visits to the track, most recently going down to Seabass over course and distance last month. Charles Byrnes landed a nice touch with Cyprian Prince over fences at Tramore last month and he is another interesting contender in the 80-123 contest. Willie Mullins has his usual strong team of contenders on the card and Berry Des Aulmes looks the one to beat in the thurles.ie Maiden Hurdle. The Gigginstown-owned gelding ran a nice race on his Irish debut when chasing home Ball D'Arc at Limerick over Christmas and will be expected to go one better now. The same connections also have Sutton Manor in the Fethard INH Flat Race and he looks another promising addition to the team. The Gold Well gelding was runner-up on his sole point-to-point start last season when sent off a short price to make a winning debut. Henry Howard is an interesting debutant in the INH Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle making his belated appearance at the age of eight. The Flemensfirth gelding is related to several winners and must surely be pleasing connections to warrant that kind of patience.
