Ex Patriot is on course for a tilt at the Punchestown Festival after running well in the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham.
The four-year-old put in a thrilling performance at Prestbury Park, coming from the back of the field to finish fourth after getting loose before the start.
Trainer Ellmarie Holden believes the gelding has now recovered from those exertions and will be ready to go when the grande finale of the jump season begins on April 25.
“Ex Patriot has recovered well from Cheltenham and travelled home super,” she said.
“He’s had a little break and is back working now.
“He ran a super race in Cheltenham and will be in flying form for Punchestown in a couple of weeks.”
Holden was equally bullish about the condition of Abolitionist, winner of the Leinster National earlier this month.
She said: “Abolitionist is working brilliant and is schooling super. He’s come on an awful lot again from his win and is ready to rock.”
