Henry de Bromhead looking forward to Identity Thief

Top-class hurdler Identity Thief could make his chasing debut as soon as next week.

The six-year-old made a flying start to last season when following up victory at Down Royal with success in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle, after which he chased home Nichols Canyon at Leopardstown's Christmas meeting.

He returned to action in the spring, finishing sixth in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham and runner-up to Vroum Vroum Mag in the equivalent at Punchestown and trainer Henry de Bromhead is looking forward to campaigning the Gigginstown House Stud-owned gelding over fences this term.

He said: "He seems in good form and we were looking at maybe Punchestown or Galway next week subject to ground; we just want a nice ease in the ground.

"He's in super form and jumping well so we're happy."