CHELTENHAM rightly dominates most racing conversation at this time of year, but the spring festivals at home are not far away, and last Thursday’s Thurles maiden hurdle winner Rushmount looks like he can make his presence felt at Fairyhouse or Punchestown.

Jonathan Sweeney’s seven-year-old had a couple of point runs last spring before producing a fine debut on the track at Thurles in November, just a neck behind the now 143-rated Lecky Watson with two lengths back to
Shannon Royale, who now has a mark of 132.