Harrington pleased with Macs return effort

/ Editor / 07 February 2007 / Leave a Comment

Following a highly satisfactory seasonal return when third in last week's AIG hurdle, trainer Jessica Harrington has mapped out Macs Joy's route to a return visit to Cheltenham and another crack at the Champion Hurdle in which he finished a gallant second to Brave Inca last March.

Harrington told At The Races: "I was absolutely thrilled with his performance in the AIG (Europe Champion Hurdle). He has definitely improved physically for the run.

"I know he always runs well first time out, but he seems to be in great form now and looks a lot fitter."

Harrington continued: "He will definitely go for the Red Mills (Gowran Park, February 17). He will still have three weeks before Cheltenham and that's the plan at the moment."

Having been matched at a high of 24 in Betfair's ante-post market for the Champion Hurdle, Macs Joy is now offered to back at 9.4. Detroit City remains a solid favourite at 3.95, Hardy Eustace trades at 6.2 and defending champion Brave Inca is 6.6.