Minella Foru to step up to Grade 1 company Minella Foru is set to step up to Grade One company after coming through his latest test with flying colours at Navan on Sunday. Eddie Harty's exciting four-year-old, owned by J P McManus, followed up his debut triumph over smaller obstacles with a smooth success over another promising horse in Very Wood in the Grade Three For Auction Novice Hurdle. He could now go to Fairyhouse for the Royal Bond Novice Hurdle on December 1st or for the Future Champions Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown's Christmas meeting. "It was a good run, a bit of a messy race, but did what he had to do - he did it well and jumped well," said Harty. "We've not decided at the moment where we go next. I've not spoken to connections yet. "The obvious races are the Royal Bond at Fairyhouse or wait for Christmas at Leopardstown. One of those would be the logical next step. "I'd imagine we'd go for one of those, but we'll decide later on."
