Irving set for Kingwell test Irving will attempt to throw his hat back into the ring for the Stan James Champion Hurdle when he runs at Wincanton on Saturday week in the Bathwick Tyres Kingwell Hurdle. A smart novice last term, he was sent off joint-favourite for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle but could only finish ninth. He redeemed his reputation by becoming Paul Nicholls' 100th Grade One winner in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle but was found to be suffering from an abscess in his foot when he disappointed behind Faugheen in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton. "He's ready to go again. He's over all his issues now," said Dan Downie, racing manager for the owners, Axom syndicate. "Wincanton, a week on Saturday in the Kingwell, will tell us an awful lot. "If it all goes well it will then be all systems go for the Champion Hurdle." Irving's price for the Champion Hurdle ranges from 25-1 to 40-1 with the sponsors.
