Jockey Jonjo O’Neill Jr is looking forward to riding Cheltenham winner, Wilful in the Grade 1 Boodles Champion Hurdle at Punchestown next Friday.

Speaking to Dave Keena, O’Neill Jr said Wilful has continued to improve and deserves to take his place in the Grade 1 race.

He said: "I think probably since he was second at Punchestown last year in a handicap hurdle, he has done nothing but improve.

"He was third in the Welsh Champion Hurdle then he won what was the Ladbroke at Ascot. He was second in a good race at Windsor and then won the County.

"He has improved all the way - there has been no hiding place for him, he has just kept stepping up.

Assessing Graded Potential at Punchestown

"It is at the stage where we need to probably assess him in graded company to see if he will handle it for next year.

"I think if you are going to improve him, he has got every chance."

Wilful landed the William Hill County Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham by three lengths in the hands of O'Neill. The seven-year-old gelding is trained by his father and brother Jonjo & A J O'Neill.