Sara Bradstock says an outing for Coneygree in the French Champion Hurdle is under consideration after his fine run at Punchestown.
The 10-year-old’s time on the track has been restricted this year due to injury, making only his second appearance of the season when chasing home Sizing John and Djakadam in the Punchestown Gold Cup last month.
His third-place finish on his first run since November has given connections the desire to extend his season and the 2015 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner could now head to Auteuil on June 11 for the French Champion Hurdle.
Sara, assistant to her husband and head trainer Mark Bradstock, says Coneygree emerged from his run at Punchestown in fine fettle and admits they are seriously investigating an outing across the Channel.
She told the Daily Mail: “All is very good and he’s in very good spirits.
“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.”
