Russell stresses Percy has much to prove taking on Grade 1 test
Irish Daily Mirror Novice Hurdle | Grade 1 | 4yo+ | 3m | RTE/ATR
During the countdown to Cheltenham, when Presenting Percy was spoken about, so too, invariably, was his handicap mark. Now, though, connections of the massively improved stayer are hoping handicaps are a thing of the past as they step him up to the highest level at Punchestown.
When the BHA handicapping team pegged the six-year-old on 146 for the Pertemps Network Final - 6lb above what was then his Irish rating - trainer Pat Kelly described himself as "like a raging bull", while jockey Davy Russell also bemoaned what both men considered to be unfair treatment.
Then Presenting Percy won easily by three and three-quarter lengths.
Such was the dominance shown that day, Philip Reynolds' young star tackles the Grade 1 Irish Daily Mirror Novice Hurdle off a new Turf Club mark of 159, making him much the highest-rated performer in a prize that has attracted a total of three Cheltenham 2017 heroes, with Penhill - one of four runners in this €100,000 prize for Willie Mullins - and Champagne Classic also in the line-up.
"There's a big difference between being a handicapper and a Grade 1 horse," said Davy Russell on Tuesday.
"The only reason he's running in a Grade 1 is because he can run in a Grade 1 novice. Against senior horses it would be an impossible task.
"He did a marvellous thing at Cheltenham and it was a great achievement. We're now running in a Grade 1 to see if he's up to that level. The owner doesn't want a handicapper. He wants Grade 1 horses.
The champion trainer said: "Penhill has done very well since going up to three miles. He came out of his Albert Bartlett win well and will like the good to yielding ground.
Trainer Noel Meade, who would have run Moulin A Vent at Aintree had he not got cast in his box the night before the race, said: "We've always thought three miles would suit him and we've always thought he was a very good horse - but he's going to need to be to stand a chance in this race."
Published on 25 April 2017inPreviews
Last updated 19:05, 25 April 2017
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