Jazzy Matty on course for a repeat bid in Grand Annual

Jazzy Matty provided Cian Collins with his first Cheltenham Festival winner last March and all roads lead back to another bid for the Grand Annual Handicap Chase.

The Doctor Dino gelding will be bidding for a third Festival success having also landed the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle in the hands of the late Michael O’Sullivan back in 2023, when in the care of Gordon Elliott.

Jazzy Matty was a creditable fifth when last seen over hurdles at Cheltenham in October and the Robinstown trainer is planning a similar route back to the ‘Grand Annual’ this season.

“He’ll probably go to Thurles on the 18th (January) for a handicap hurdle that he was second in last year, and go straight to Cheltenham then,” said Collins.

“He’ll go back again for the Grand Annual. He’s in good form, so we’re looking forward to it.

“He ran well the last day, but I think he’s a better horse over fences.”

Impero has proved a great money spinner since joining Collins less than 18 months ago, winning five times over hurdles, and the son of Zoffany is set to go chasing later this year.

“He’s back in and will run again around April or May. He’s been a great servant.

“We’ve done a lot of schooling over fences with him. He’s very quick over them, so hopefully he’ll go chasing this summer.”