'Hopefully he can start his season in a positive manner' - Joseph O'Brien hoping Banbridge hits the ground running at Cork

Joseph O'Brien has warned that last season's King George hero Banbridge has been slower to come to hand this term, but he is still hopeful of a positive start to his campaign in a star-studded Hilly Way Chase at Cork on Sunday. 

Owned by Ronnie Bartlett, Banbridge will be running over a trip short of his best at Cork but he has shown admirable versatility throughout his career, being a Grade 1 winner over two, two and a half and three miles.

Last season, he finished fourth at Navan on his return and looked set to go close in the Hilly Way prior to unseating his rider at the last, leaving Energumene in the clear to land the race for a third time.