'We're looking at after Christmas' - setback delays Blazing Khal's return

Blazing Khal: impressed when landing back-to-back Grade 2s at Cheltenham last seasonCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Charles Byrnes has identified the Dublin Racing Festival as a spring target for leading Stayers' Hurdle fancy Blazing Khal, whose return looks set to be delayed until after Christmas following a minor setback.

The trainer, who won the Stayers' in 2013 with Solwhit, does not have a specific race in mind for Blazing Khal, with emphasis placed on having the dual Grade 2 winner at full fitness before determining plans.

Defeats in the Lismullen Hurdle on Sunday for reigning back-to-back Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle winner Flooring Porter and leading contender Bob Olinger have seen the Byrnes-trained six-year-old tightening to 6-1 (from 8) with some firms for festival success.

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Mark BoylanReporter

Published on 15 November 2022inNews

Last updated 18:31, 15 November 2022

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