Fenno’s Storm aiming for Irish National rather than Cheltenham
Declan Queally has a tilt at the Irish National in mind for his stable star Fenno’s Storm having ruled out a trip to Cheltenham for the Foxhunter Chase.
A seven-time winner ‘between the flags’, the son of September Storm won the prestigious Tetratema Cup at Gowran in March of last year.
He lowered the colours of current Foxhunter Chase favourite Stand Up And Fight on his most recent outing at Kilfeacle last month, and Queally now hopes the eight-year-old gelding can continue to progress.
“He’ll run in Kildorrery on Sunday and then in the Tetratema in Gowran,” the County Waterford-based handler revealed.
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“He might then go for the Joseph O’Reilly at Fairyhouse. We’ll see how the Tetratema goes first though.
“I’ve had a word with the handicapper and he has him rated around 130. If he was good in the Tetratema he could go for the Irish National, otherwise he’ll go for the Joseph O’Reilly on the Tuesday of Fairyhouse.
“He is only eight and is still improving. Three-mile-five around Fairyhouse going right-handed would suit him.”
He added: “Cheltenham would be unrealistic. His jumping is too slow. He needs a severe trip and soft ground really.
“We have had a few enquiries from English trainers about buying him, but he is not for sale. His owner loves him. He is an absolute gent of a horse and is a favourite around here.”