Jimmy Mangan's Oscar Delta, who threw away Cheltenham Festival glory last March, will start his season at Thurles on Thursday.
The 11-year-old appeared to have the measure of defending champion Salsify in the Foxhunter Chase at Prestbury Park, but jinked violently on the run-in and heartbreakingly dumped the trainer's daughter Jane on the famous turf.
He was well beaten by Salsify on his only subsequent start at Punchestown last April and Mangan senior is looking forward to seeing his charge return in the Arctic Tack Stud Hunters Chase.
He said: "The plan is for him to start off in Thurles on Thursday, so we'll see how we go.
"The horse is in good shape, but at the same time I think he'll benefit for the run.
"Hopefully all goes well and then we can think about going back to Cheltenham with him.
"He could have another run after Thursday (before Cheltenham). Last year he ran in Thurles and Leopardstown before going over, so we'll see.
"It would be nice to go back to Cheltenham and get some compensation, there's no doubt about it, but we're just taking it one race at a time."
The 11-year-old appeared to have the measure of defending champion Salsify in the Foxhunter Chase at Prestbury Park, but jinked violently on the run-in and heartbreakingly dumped the trainer's daughter Jane on the famous turf.
He was well beaten by Salsify on his only subsequent start at Punchestown last April and Mangan senior is looking forward to seeing his charge return in the Arctic Tack Stud Hunters Chase.
He said: "The plan is for him to start off in Thurles on Thursday, so we'll see how we go.
"The horse is in good shape, but at the same time I think he'll benefit for the run.
"Hopefully all goes well and then we can think about going back to Cheltenham with him.
"He could have another run after Thursday (before Cheltenham). Last year he ran in Thurles and Leopardstown before going over, so we'll see.
"It would be nice to go back to Cheltenham and get some compensation, there's no doubt about it, but we're just taking it one race at a time."
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