McKiernan eyes Grade One for Gatsby Grey

Gatsby Grey could be stepped up markedly in class after shedding his maiden tag at Limerick last month.

Oliver McKiernan is considering a tilt at the Grade 1 Tattersalls Ireland Novice Hurdle with the son of Waldpark.

The six-year-old gelding won a bumper at Navan last spring for Declan Queally and remains unbeaten having made an impressive start over hurdles at the Limerick Christmas meeting.

McKiernan said: “He would probably have run at Punchestown (in the Grade 2 Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle) only he had a bit of an infection and we had to back off him.

“We were lucky (that it was diagnosed) because if we ran him you would empty him very quick and then have no horse for the rest of the season.

“He’ll probably go to Leopardstown over two miles. He’s a grand relaxed horse, not the biggest in the yard but he doesn’t have to be.

“He has a fair bit of ability.”