Minsk set for Fairyhouse reappearance Minsk is on course to make his eagerly-awaited jumping debut at Fairyhouse later this month. The Dalakhani gelding is a leading contender for the JCB Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham next month, mainly down to his form on the Flat. He won his last three starts for trainer John Oxx, culminating in the Irish Cesarewitch where he romped home by five and a half lengths. Owner Barry Connell sent Minsk to Dessie Hughes to be trained for a hurdling campaign, with the Triumph the target should all go well. And it looks like the Winning Fair Juvenile Hurdle at Fairyhouse on February 25 will be his only public outing before Cheltenham. "He's good. He's going to Fairyhouse for the Winning Fair on the 25th," said Hughes. "That will probably be his only run before Cheltenham. It might be enough. It just depends on the company he faces and how he runs. "I expect him to be in top form for it. He likes the hurdles but we'll see how he takes to them when he runs."
