News Leopardstown or Limerick next for Avant Tout

Leopardstown or Limerick next for Avant Tout

racing

Punchestown Festival winner Avant Tout is in line to make his return to action at either Leopardstown or Limerick over the Christmas period.

Punchestown Festival winner Avant Tout is in line to make his return to action at either Leopardstown or Limerick over the Christmas period.

The five-year-old was a surprise winner for Willie Mullins in County Kildare in April, but showed off his talent once more with an emphatic success on his chasing bow at Tramore a month later.

Given a break since, Avant Tout is set for a step up in class this winter, with the newly-named Neville Hotels Novice Chase at Leopardstown on December 29 among his options.

Steve Massey, racing manager for the owners Supreme Horse Racing Club, said: " I was excited to hear he has been given an entry in the Grade One three-mile novice chase at Leopardstown and there is also a Grade Two at Limerick on Boxing Day - a race Willie (Mullins) has won with Sir Des Champs and The Paparrazi Kid in recent years.

"He is really a spring horse and we already have one eye on the big Festivals next year."

Another Supreme runner being primed for a return is talented mare Uranna, who is set to embark on a career over fences.

The seven-year-old won a Listed hurdle race at Sandown back in February and was last seen being touched off by stable companion Whiteout at the Punchestown Festival.

"She is in very good order and is a real natural over fences," said Massey.

"She opened her account over hurdles at Limerick last Christmas and the plan is to head back there for a mares' beginners chase on December 29.

"I'm really excited about seeing her tackle the larger obstacles."