Cheltenham still on the cards for Chatham Street Lad
Despite a defeat at Fairyhouse, Chatham Street Lad is still being aimed at the Cheltenham Festival, according to Michael Winters.
Having won the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup at Cheltenham last month, Chatham Street Lad holds entries for both the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase and the Ryanair Chase.
However, after a loss at Fairyhouse in the Dan & Joan Moore Memorial Handicap Chase, Cork trainer Winters feels his charge might be better suited to the Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate rather than a Grade One.
“We’re still heading to Cheltenham – we’re not too much taken aback,” said Winters.
“He never got into a rhythm – the pace wasn’t right for him.
“I imagine we’ll be going for a handicap there, to be realistic. We’ll be making our mind up about what distance.
“From what he did at Cheltenham last time, we’ll be going back to that kind of trip. I’d imagine that’s where we’ll be looking.”
