Dunguib 'fine' after stroll

Dunguib has been reported to be in good order following his latest stroll in the park at Leopardstown at the weekend.

Last season's champion bumper horse made it four wins from as many outings over timber when crushing six rivals in the Grade One Deloitte Novice Hurdle.

Philip Fenton's seven-year-old was far from fluent at times but the trainer says he is none the worse for his sluggish display.

"He's absolutely fine. He ate most of his food last night and he's been in the field all morning, there's not a bother on him," said Fenton.

"He won't have saddle on his back for 10 days now, he'll have a complete break.

"I believe we are due more frost so he might not have been doing much anyway.

"He might have hit nearly every hurdle yesterday but he's absolutely fine which is the main thing, there's not a scratch on him and he's sound as a pound.

"The fastest he was going in the race, the final hurdle, was the best he jumped so we'll just have to hope the fast pace at Cheltenham will improve his jumping.

"Brian (O'Connell) gave him a great ride, he was very cool on him.

"It was so important he didn't have a hard race yesterday. I didn't want him in the firing line in the back straight and getting there too soon, it was ideal though, other than his jumping."

Dunguib is now hot favourite for the Supreme Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham next month and looks sure to be one of Ireland's 'festival bankers'.