Home By The Lee pleasing O'Brien ahead of return Leading staying hurdler Home By The Lee is reported to be in fine form ahead of his intended reappearance around Christmas. The Joseph O'Brien trained veteran caused a 33/1 upset when winning the Stayers' Hurdle at Cheltenham in March but proved that to be no fluke when subsequently following up at Aintree. Off the track since disappointing at Auteuil in May, the 11-year-old is back to himself as his seasonal return gets ever closer. Speaking at Clonmel on Thursday, regular rider JJ Slevin said: "He is flying at home but I think Joseph will take his time with him this year. We are planning to get him and a few more out by Christmas, or a bit before then, and he is as fresh as ever. "If someone told you that he was a three-year-old, you couldn't disagree with him. "I don't know exactly where he will start back, but he is in good form and Joseph's jumpers are in super shape."
