Minsk to make hurdling debut next month Dessie Hughes would not be afraid of starting off the hurdling career of Minsk in the highest company. A high-profile recruit out of John Oxx's stable, Minsk won the Irish Cesarewitch in October in good fashion before having his attentions switched to the winter game. Hughes decided to give him a break after his exertions on the level, but is keen to get him started soon, with the spring festivals fast approaching. "We got him in October time and gave him a break as he'd been in training a long time and we started him back before Christmas," said Hughes. "We schooled him before we gave him a break when he was fit and he took to the hurdles very well so we were happy with that. "He's back in work now - he's doing strong canters and he should be ready to run in the first week of February. "He might run in the Grade One, the Spring Hurdle at Leopardstown (February 12th), or the Winning Fair (Fairyhouse, February 25th). "I'd love to get two runs into him, which will be tight, but he does jump well. "It's not definite that he'll be aimed at the Triumph, but when he was bought that was what he (owner, Barry Connell) had in mind. "It won't be the end of the world if he doesn't get there without a couple of runs under his belt. "If we're happy when he runs that one run will be enough, then he'll go there," the County Kildare handler told At The Races.
