DUAL Cheltenham Festival hero Penhill is on track to return in next months Hatton’s Grace Hurdle.
Willie Mullins’ eight-year-old already has a win in the Albert Bartlett and Sun Racing Stayers’ Hurdle to his name but has not been seen April 2018.
Mullins said: “Penhill has been brilliant, (son and assistant) Patrick (Mullins) rode him on Tuesday and he was good.
“We’re very pleased with his preparation so far.
“I’m happy that I changed tack this year in that I’m just going to go with him – we may as well find out early if he’s going to stay sound or not, but so far so good. He’s ready to go to Fairyhouse.”
Mullins also has the talented mare Benie Des Dieux on course for the Hatton’s Grace.
Her only defeat in eight races since arriving from France came when she fell at the last when clear in the Mares’ Hurdle at the Festival in March.
Mullins added: “Benie goes for the Hatton’s Grace as well.
“The Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham is her aim, and we’ll see if there’s anything in between.
“I don’t know if there’s anything over fences that I want to win with her. She’s very good in this division. She’s a French Champion Hurdle winner over a trip, so I’m happy enough to stick at that with her.
“When the mares’ chase comes in (at Cheltenham, in 2021) it might be a different matter, but we’ll see!”
