CHELTENHAM’S October Showcase Meeting was a happy hunting ground for John McConnell last year when recording a treble at the two-day fixture, and he will aim to build on those fine returns when sending out another two runners on today’s card.

Lisnamult Lad has been tremendously placed by connections to win three of his first four starts over hurdles and now steps up in trip - and class - to tackle the three-mile William Hill Epic Weekend Free Bet Novices’ Hurdle (3.35).

Ben Harvey’s mount has been assigned a British rating of 131 after easy wins at Hexham and Ludlow, and takes on fellow Irish raiders Reverend Hubert (Charles Byrnes) and Antrim Coast (Peter Fahey) in this six-runner contest.

McConnell told The Irish Field: “He’s earned this step up in grade. The ground has gone for him in Ireland but it has dried out a good bit at Cheltenham and this will probably be his last run before a break, so we’ll let him have a crack at this.

“I think he should stay the extra distance fine. On ratings, he’s bang there so hopefully he should be competitive.”

McConnell won the concluding Cheltenham & South West Racing Club Open Bumper (4.45) last year with smart youngster Encanto Bruno and returns this time around with Jackson Lamb, who finished second on his only start in a Roscommon bumper in August.

Willie Mullins is the other Irish trainer represented in the bumper, saddling Paul Byrne-owned newcomer Catch Yourself On. “This is a lovely horse [Jackson Lamb],” said McConnell.

“I think he’s improved since Roscommon. It’s a competitive race but it should be a good experience for him and hopefully he’ll run well.”

Stable star Seddon was one of McConnell’s winners at this meeting last year, and connections were upbeat after the 10-year-old’s third in the American Grand National last weekend.

“We were very happy with his performance,” said McConnell.

“We didn’t have a clear run with him over there and that hampered us a bit. He did well to run so well, considering that. He’ll be freshened up when he comes home this weekend and we’ll make a plan later.”