Barry Geraghty thinks his beloved Structure Hill may nonetheless enhance over the fences and says Nicky Henderson will surely be up for the problem if he feels it fits the Champion Hurdle star.
Structure Hill had barely crossed the road at Cheltenham this yr earlier than the inevitable questioning started: what future for essentially the most thrilling racehorses? Will he run after? Is the Gold Cup ambition?
Regardless of the plans for subsequent season, there’s nonetheless work to be completed on the hurdles at Aintree after which the image may change into even clearer.
Talking on the Off The Fence Cheltenham Evaluate present, Geraghty, who purchased Structure Hill as a colt for simply £16,500 and bred him to age three, stated of his frolic Champion Hurdle: “It was superior.
“He accelerated like loopy and hit the road actually arduous, as State Man appeared comfortable simply to get there.
“Seems like he will Aintree for 2 and a half miles subsequent, which should not be an issue for him.
“There is a good likelihood he’ll be leaping hurdles subsequent season. Michael [Buckley, owner] is certainly up for the problem and needs to see how far this horse can take him.
“Nicky [Henderson, trainer] Has completed it earlier than with Sprinter Sacre and Altior, so I would not name it conservative. He’ll at all times do what he thinks is true for the horse.
“There’s nonetheless potential for enchancment from him on a fence as a result of he jumps so nicely. Nicky would positively be in for it as soon as he is aware of he has the horse for the job.”
Geraghty was additionally impressed with the success of Honeysuckle’s Mares’ Hurdle and equally delighted to see the Henry of Bromhead star receiving a wave of adoration from the Pageant crowd as she retired in type.
“Henry [de Bromhead, trainer] did brilliantly to deliver her again to the extent she had been prior to now and Rachael [Blackmore, jockey] gave him a superb race,” Geraghty stated. “It was an excellent, stable efficiency and it proved it was the correct race to have.
“The ambiance and the welcome she acquired on returning to the winner’s compound was wonderful – the place erupted. The group gave her the respect and applause she deserves. An excellent approach for her designate.
“I am undecided she ever received the respect she deserved, to go 16 unbeaten and win 4 festivals could be very troublesome. So far as mares go, she’s within the prime 5 in historical past.”
Honeysuckle and Love Envoi face off within the Mares’ Hurdle
Off The Fence panel member Tony Keenan believes it was Honeysuckle’s longevity that basically set her other than her rivals.
“She was an excellent, if not an important hurdler champion, however there’s extra to it than simply grades,” Keenan stated. “She had enormous recognition and would put hundreds of individuals by way of the doorways. There aren’t many different horses that may do this.
“She has at all times run in good races and her longevity is spectacular.”
#Cheltenham #Pageant #assessment #Structure #Hill #enhance #fences #Fences #Barry #Geraghty #Race #Information