De Bromhead follows tried and tested route with Gold Cup hero

HENRY DE BROMHEAD is happy to stick to what he knows in the case of A Plus Tard, who all being well will have the same campaign as last year, beginning in the Betfair Chase at Haydock on Saturday.

The Grade One contest traditionally does not attract a big field, despite the huge pot on offer, and the current Gold Cup champion will face a maximum of four rivals.

He beat only six 12 months ago, after which he went on to be narrowly denied in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown before winning at Cheltenham in stunning style, by 15 lengths from stablemate Minella Indo – meaning it was the same two horses who filled the first two positions for two years in a row.

“He seems in great form, he’s working really well. Rachael [ Blackmore] schooled him this morning and he jumped really well so all seems good at the moment,” said De Bromhead.

“Rachael gets a great tune out of him, they were brilliant last year in the Gold Cup so we’re looking forward to Saturday and hopefully we’ll have a bit of luck and everything will take care of itself after that.

“He seems to be pretty adaptable regarding the ground and he’s lovely to have around, very laid back and very straightforward.”

Despite the small field, and lack of other Irish interest, De Bromhead is taking nothing for granted.

“I always think they are all to fear. Bristol De Mai has won it however many times [ three] and I can’t quite believe the price Frodon is when you think what he has achieved. It’s a Grade One so I’m afraid of them all. Obviously Protektorat ran well in the Gold Cup also,” said De Bromhead.

“I haven’t given much thought to tactics yet, and that is more Rachael’s department.

“When you are only running these horses three or four times a year you want these runs to count so we hope he’s as well as he was last year.

“Hopefully the plan after this will be Leopardstown at Christmas and then Cheltenham in March.”