Mikael Camp Reveal Festival Concerns

By Ashley Iveson, PA Sport   Last updated: 19th February 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

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Willie Mullins admits Mikael D'Haguenet is not certain to head for the Cheltenham Festival despite maintaining his unbeaten record over hurdles at Punchestown.

The five-year-old had barely come off the bridle to score on his three previous starts for Mullins and was sent off the 4-11 favourite for the Grade Two Abbey Electrical Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle.

Ruby Walsh asked his mount to extend on the run to the final flight and he duly obliged, stretching clear to score by seven lengths from Donnas Palm.

Sky Bet were impressed by the performance and cut him into 5-1 from 6-1 for the Ballymore Properties Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

Victor Chandler now make him their 4-1 joint-favourite, alongside Diamond Harry, for the same race.

"We decided to change tactics as we thought there wouldn't be enough pace," said Mullins.

"His knee action was very evident and once again would have concerns if the ground got lively at Cheltenham, if he is go there he will not have another run.

"Going to France is definitely on the cards and I would have no fear about bringing him back here for the Festival."