Gold Cup hero Minella Indo set for Punchestown

Trainer Henry de Bromhead has indicated that Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Minella Indo could round off his season at Punchestown next month.

It was an historic week for De Bromhead at the Cheltenham Festival, as he became the first trainer in history to win the Champion Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chase and the Gold Cup in the same year.

Minella Indo sealed that feat by triumphing in Friday‘s Gold Cup and De Bromhead has now indicated that the Barry Maloney-owned eight-year-old’s next port of call could be on Irish shores for the Punchestown Gold Cup on April 28.

“I look back at the Gold Cup with disbelief, to be honest. I watched it back this morning and was kind of going ‘this didn’t happen’,” De Bromhead said on Racing TV’s Luck on Sunday programme.

“Minella Indo kept staying and I’m not sure we’ve seen the half of him – he’s so tough.

“I haven’t really spoken to Barry (Maloney, owner) about plans, but Punchestown would be great if he seems good – I think we should strongly consider Punchestown.”

De Bromhead also revealed that A Plus Tard, who made it a one-two for the Knockeen-based handler in the Gold Cup, could be next seen in the Betway Bowl at Aintree next month.

“A Plus Tard’s form is ridiculously better on left-handed tracks, so if he’s well, we’re considering Aintree for him,” the 48-year-old added.