Sandor Clegane has Cheltenham aspirations

Sandor Clegane, who created a big impression when powering home by 15 lengths on debut in a Punchestown bumper last month, is being lined up for another outing before heading to Cheltenham.

Trainer Paul Nolan said: “Sandor Clegane will go for a winners’ bumper and then hopefully on to Cheltenham."

Meanwhile, his Joyeux Machin who was runner-up to Facile Vega in a Leopardstown bumper over Christmas is another with possible Prestbury Park aspirations.

“Joyeux Machin was second to a good horse of Willie’s (Mullins) at Leopardstown. He seems a nice horse and has come on a nice bit from his first run." the trainer said.

"We are hoping to pick up a bumper with him in the next two or three weeks and make a decision then whether he’ll go to Cheltenham or not.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee