Masters of mischief lay down a Punchestown challenge

THE team at Paddy Power has a spring in their step with their latest proposal but are they safe in knowing the challenge will not be taken up?

The excitable bookies are offering a British-trained winner of the Punchestown Champion Hurdle a £100,000 bonus.

Irish runners won 23 of the 28 races at the Cheltenham Festival last month – including the Unibet Champion Hurdle, won by Honeysuckle. Henry de Bromhead’s brilliant mare is set to go for the double under Rachael Blackmore.

The Nicky Henderson-trained Epatante got closest to Honeysuckle at Cheltenham from the home contingent when third. She is expected to reoppose later this month, while Goshen is also expected to be entered by Gary Moore.

Beating

Spokesperson Paddy Power said: “We gave the Brits a beating at Cheltenham and now we’re laying down a challenge to the tune of £100k – come and have a go if you think you’re good enough.”

Any British trainer under any illusions?

Entries for the race will be revealed on Monday.