Vigil in line for Champion Bumper

Trainer Dermot Weld has confirmed Vigil is on course to run in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper at Cheltenham.

The six-year-old, who was fifth in the race at The Festival in 2014, has been preparing for the renewal on March 11 recently and impressed when winning at Leopardstown in December.

Weld says Vigil is in good shape to head to Prestbury Park next month, where he will again be ridden by Pat Smullen, in what he expects will be a very competitive race.

Weld told the Irish Times: “I think it has to be an advantage for Vigil to have run in the race before although it looks an exceptional renewal this year. It’s wide-open but I think our horse is capable of running a good race in it and Pat Smullen will ride.”