Weapon's Amnesty is expected to need the run on his return at Leopardstown

Weapon's Amnesty: Back on track at Leopardstown

Connections of Weapon's Amnesty have warned the 2010 RSA chase winner will "need the race badly" on his return to action from over 1000 days off the track in the woodiesdiy.com Christmas Hurdle on Friday.

Trainer Charles Byrnes has had his patience tested by the now nine-year-old, who when he was last seen had the chasing world at his feet.

He also held an entry in the Lexus Chase but in testing ground it is not surprising that he reappears over timber at Leopardstown.

Weapon's Amnesty was no mug in that sphere, either, winning the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle back in 2009.

"It's a nice race to start him back in," said Eddie O'Leary, racing manager for owners Gigginstown House stud.

"We didn't want to run him in the Lexus and this is a better starting point for him.

"It will be nice to get him back on the track, but he will need the race badly. Hopefully he is all right tomorrow night. That's the main thing."

Owega Star runs for the small yard of Peter Fahey, who will also be represented by Pride Of The Artic in the Topaz Novice Chase.

Casey admits Owega Star will be up against it, but he earned his place in the line up by winning the Tara Hurdle at Navan.

"On his last run he deserves a crack at them, but this looks a lot stronger race," said Fahey.

"I think the extra half a mile will be in his favour but he's up against the likes of Zaidpour, Voler La Vedette, Monksland and So Young.

"We might be dreaming a little with him but he might pick up some prize-money."

Noel Meade has high hopes for Monksland, who was second to Zaidpour last time out.

"He's in good form and we're meeting the same horses we met in the Hatton's Grace," said Meade.

"We're hoping the step up to three miles will bring about a bit more improvement. He was coming home well at Fairyhouse the last day. We're hopeful."