Coneygree’s next outing could be in France – over hurdles!
The Mark Bradstock-trained Coneygree, who made a fine return to action from injury when third in the Punchestown Gold Cup last month, may potentially head for the French Champion Hurdle at Auteuil in June.
The 10-year-old son of Karinga Bay has run just three times since winning the 2015 Cheltenham Gold Cup, in which she registered a game victory under Nico De Boinville.
However, he showed he retains his old sparkle at Punchestown last time where he led throughout the three-mile event and despite making a costly blunder at the second last fence, the gelding rallied tenaciously once again in the closing stages to be narrowly beaten into third by Djakdam and Irish, Cheltenham and Punchestown Gold Cup winner Sizing John.
Bradstock was delighted with his charge’s comeback run and with no ill-effect after the race despite slight swelling on his leg, the trainer is seriously considering a tilt at the French Champion Hurdle.
Sara Bradstock, wife and assistant trainer to Bradstock, said:
All is very good and he’s in very good spirits. We did take him to the vets on the night of the race, but we were just being careful really. He banged his joint and it was bruised on the front, but he’s fine now.
He ran a great race and it brings a tear to my eye when I think about it. Even after the injuries he’s had, he’s so brave and it was an incredible effort really. We could go to Auteuil for the French Champion Hurdle. I’ve got a few people looking at the ground as I’ve heard mixed opinions – some people say it’s beautiful soft ground and others say it’s a bit patchy.
He obviously hasn’t had much racing and we’ve always been of the opinion that when he’s sound, we should get all we can out of him. But safety is obviously the most important thing. I know they make sure the ground is soft, but it needs to be consistent.