Racing: The failure of Golden Cross to add to his shock Christmas success in the AIG has not dissuaded from trainer Michael Halford aiming the horse at the Champion Hurdle.
Golden Cross struggled home seventh of eight behind Foreman in the AIG but Halford remains happy to train him for Cheltenham for which Golden Cross remains a 33 to 1 outsider.
"We were entitled to be disappointed the last day. He was in good form and on the back of a good win and checked out perfectly going into it. He checked out fine afterwards too and I'm inclined to write it off.
"It was a muddling race and I don't think anyone can come to any real firm conclusions.
"He will go straight now for the Champion Hurdle," said Halford yesterday.
Noel Meade and Paul Carberry will be in the thick of the action at Leopardstown tomorrow and the partnership can get the weekend off to a good start at Naas today where Pietro Vannucci can make it third time lucky over fences.
Placed at both Fairyhouse and Navan, Pietro Vannucci should be up to coping with the frustrating I Got It in the Beginners Chase while Meade and Carberry can also go close in the second maiden hurdle with Lord Cooleen.
The ex-German Arimero ran a fine fourth to the high-class VicVille on his jumping debut at Cork and looks one to follow in the opener while the course winner Ceeawayhome looks the pick in the bumper.
