Barizan could be heading to the Punchestown Festival following his fine second in the JCB Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham last month.

The four-year-old set a scorching pace in the Grade One contest and was only caught late on by Nicky Henderson's Soldatino.

The Family Day At Punchestown 4YO Hurdle on Saturday April 24 could be next on his agenda with Aintree also in the mix.

Trainer Evan Williams said: "There is every chance that Barizan will go to Punchestown.

"He has been very well since his run in the Triumph Hurdle. He had a very tough race at Cheltenham, there is no doubting that, but he did have a mid-winter break, which means that he was quite a fresh horse going there.

"It has been pleasing, the way he has come out of the race - he seems very happy and on Thursday morning he worked as well as he ever has.

"It was torture watching the final furlong at Cheltenham. I stood down by the last flight and could see it all unravelling in front of my eyes.

"I have to give a lot of credit to Barry Geraghty who has given the winner a peach of a ride.

"It was disappointing but the more I look back on it, we ran a blinder and were beaten by a good horse that was given an exceptional ride by a great jockey.

"It is always nice to go to the Punchestown Festival. It will be ground dependent - I wouldn't like to go if it is too soft because he is a horse that likes good ground, so we will monitor the situation.

"It is very easy for us to get to Ireland, so hopefully the elements will not conspire against us."

The JCB Triumph Hurdle form could be well-represented with the third-placed Alaivan and Carlito Brigante, who came fourth, also entered.

The progressive Sanctuaire, winner of the Fred Winter at Cheltenham, has been entered by Paul Nicholls while Henderson could be represented by Super Kenny.