Emma Lavelle reports past year’s celebrity staying hurdler Paisley Park in health ahead of the effort.
The seven-year-old was unbeaten in five starts final term – progressing to landing from handicap victories at Aintree and Haydock the Long Walk in Ascot and the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham, until crowning his campaign at Prestbury Park in March in the Stayers‘ Hurdle.
Lavelle is optimistic her star can pick up where he left off – with the Ladbrokes Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury on November 29 his first objective.
Lavelle stated:“Paisley is extremely excellent. He looks big and powerful and round and did really well over the summer!
„He’s back cantering and we are very satisfied with him. The Ladbrokes Trophy meeting in Newbury is that the races select on and after the initial target – it easier making plans for your horses.
„Hopefully we’ll visit Newbury, then on into the Long Walk in Ascot, the Cleeve in Cheltenham and then straight to the Stayers‘ Hurdle at the Festival then possibly on to Punchestown – all of fairly Smaller goals!“
Coaching such a high-profile horse has a substantial amount of pressure and anticipation, but Lavelle is relishing the chance rather than feeling daunted.
She added:“It is definitely a different sense. Last year he was one that is coming and the up and now he is the person who must go and defend his own crown.
„He’s still a young horse, even however, who can only get more powerful.
„It’s a nice place to maintain.“
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