PETIT AIMS BIG

THIRD in the Stan James Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, Petit Mouchoir will be crowned Ireland’s top two-mile hurdler of the season if he lands today’s BETDAQ Champion Hurdle on Day 4 of the Punchestown Festival. The Henry de Bromhead, inset, trained grey, unlucky to fall three from home in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle in November, went on to deliver in a couple of Grade 1’s at Leopardstown and ran a creditable third, beaten seven and a half lengths, behind Buveur D’air and perennial bridesmaid My Tent Or Yours (in the field today) at Cheltenham. Petit Mouchoir beat solid yardstick Nichols Canyon in the Ryanair Hurdle at Leopardstown’s Christmas meeting and had that rival beaten when Ruby Walsh’s mount tipped at the last in the Irish Champion Hurdle in late January, leaving Footpad to come through for second spot. The six-year-old has used front-running tactics this season. And he ran his race at Cheltenham despite a couple of uncharacteristic mistakes, plugging on up the hill when he looked likely to be swallowed up by the chasing pack. Today, Gigginstown’s grey faces another tough task against stable companions Vroum Vroum Mag, Apple’s Jade, Arctic Fire and Wicklow Brace. Nicky Henderson relies on My Tent Or Yours and Brain Power. Labaik, which let his supporters down here on Tuesday when refusing to race in the Grade 1 two-mile novice hurdle, represents Gordon Elliott.

Petit Mouchoir beat Nichols Canyon at Leopardstown at Christmas