On The Fringe trainer Bolger: I think there is still fire burning in his belly

On The Fringe, regarded as the best hunter chaser of the modern era, makes an earlier than usual return to action at Cork on Sunday with Enda Bolger believing there is still plenty of fire in his belly.

The two-time Foxhunter hero at the Cheltenham Festival, now 12 years of age, was not seen at his best last season and ended the campaign without a win to his name, but his trainer thinks we could see something like the old On The Fringe in the Mallow Hunters Chase (3.40).

Bolger said: "On The Fringe seems in great form at home and I think there is still fire burning in his belly. The reason for bringing him out earlier than usual this season is because this race was never here before and it is for horses who have won hunter chases only so there are no newcomers to the ranks in there.

He added: "It was a case of coming here or having a racecourse school after racing so we thought why not run him and see how he is. It looks a nice opportunity for him and we're really looking forward to seeing how he gets on."

On The Fringe will be reunited with Nina Carberry for the first time since the pair raised the roof at Punchestown after winning the Racing Post Champion Hunter Chase in April of 2016.

"It is great having Nina back on board and both me and her are really looking forward to it. They gel really well together and have a special bond. They have had some terrific days together and let's hope there are more to come," Bolger said.

On The Fringe faces eight rivals and his biggest threat could come from stablemate Youcannotbeserious.