Sandra Hughes © Photo Healy Racing
Sandra Hughes is set to have a small but select team in her bid to register her first triumph at the Cheltenham Festival.
Hughes has notched up several big-race victories, including last year's Irish Grand National, since taking over the reins at the family's stables in Kildare on the death of her father Dessie in November 2014.
She will no doubt be keen to add her name to the Cheltenham roll of honour as her late father enjoyed great success both as a rider and a trainer at Cheltenham. Lieutenant Colonel represented Hughes 12 months ago in the World Hurdle, but could only finish 10th to Cole Harden
The seven-year-old will have another tilt at the Ryanair-sponsored stayers' championship on the back of just one run this winter when he was second to Snow Falcon at Navan last month.
"He had to do it the hard way on his reappearance at Navan and the ground was not ideal," said Hughes.
"He had a minor wind operation earlier in the season and it's worked, which we're delighted about. He's a very good horse at home and, while he may not be good enough to beat Thistlecrack I think he'll run well. He's retained all his ability."
Hughes believes the expected improved ground conditions at Cheltenham will help All Hell Let Loose in the Pertemps Network Final.
"He's an awful lot better on better ground and has not had it since last season," she said.
"He's off a good weight and it looks like he'll get in. He hated the ground when he qualified at Leopardstown, and I think he can improve on that form."
Hughes has yet to decide whether her Irish National winner Thunder And Roses will head for the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup.
"He may run although I'm not sure at this stage what the owner wants to do," she said.
"The trip will suit him and better ground would suit him as well."
