Diamant Dore is pencilled in for either Aintree or Punchestown after his fine effort in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper.
The Adrian Keatley-trained five-year-old arrived at the Cheltenham Festival a 40-1 chance for the Grade One, with his only prior run under rules a taking 17-length bumper victory at Ayr in January.
Under Brian Hughes the bay looked poised to make a real impact, but was repeatedly denied a clear run before rallying gamely up the hill to finish fifth of 21 runners.
“He got no run around, he had absolutely nowhere to go on more than one occasion in the race,” said Keatley.
“From where he turned in to where he finished, he ran a blinding race. We think he’s a very good horse, we thought he was a very good horse going into the race and that run has reassured us.
“He came home in great nick so he will probably have one more run this season.”
Bumpers at Aintree and Punchestown are both possible options, with a hurdling career then awaiting the highly-regarded gelding next season.
“Aintree is top of the list, we’ll have a discussion with his owner, maybe Punchestown will be considered as well,” Keatley said.
“We think he could be a proper horse and a proper novice hurdler for next season, he’s a big horse with a lot of natural ability.
“He was very impressive in winning his last bumper and he was impressive until falling at the last in his point to point.
“There’s a lot to look forward to next season with him.”
