Martin Brassil has given his stable star City Island an away day as part of his preparation for next week’s Alanna Homes Champion Novice Hurdle at Punchestown.

The Co Kildare handler took his Cheltenham Festival hero to Jim Bolger’s stables in Co Carlow for a change of scenery as he prepares for the Grade 1 on May 3rd.

Brassil is pleased with the condition of his Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle winner, and has no concerns about possible ground conditions.

“He’s back into his normal routine of work and he’s had a day away at Jim Bolger’s down in Coolcullen,” said Brassil.

“He’s eating well and doing everything you’d want him to do.

“He’s very versatile ground-wise. He won at Naas in ground that was only on the soft side of good, and I wouldn’t be worried about any ground.

“It’s great to get back having a decent horse that can be competitive in those nice races. We’ll savour all those moments.”

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