Rushmount has big spring targets

Options are open for Rushmount this spring with a trip to Cheltenham not ruled out.

Cheltenham or the Irish National for Rushmount?

The Jonathan Sweeney-trained gelding holds an entry in the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase and the Cork handler is keeping an eye on the field size for the Grade 1 contest.

Rushmount was last seen winning a Thurles handicap in impressive in December, a victory which saw his rating rise to 143.

He holds an entry over timber at Thurles next week and Sweeney is also mulling over a bid at the Irish National with the Shirocco gelding.

When asked about plans at Navan yesterday Sweeney said: "I don't know - will the Brown Advisory cut up? It could, races are cutting up this year.

"If he goes to Thurles maybe he would go to the Irish National. I don't know, maybe he is a bit high in the weights for the Irish National.

"He got 13lb for the last day.

"With him all along, he is ground dependent.

"He was supposed to go to the Reynoldstown (in Ascot) a fortnight ago. We entered him on the Friday and talking with Chris (Stickels), the Clerk of the Course, the rain didn't really come as bad, but we didn't go - you couldn't travel with the ground, I suppose."

(Quotes by Michael Graham)