Racing:Mouse Morris is ready to let Venalmar make his long-awaited return in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase at Thurles on Thursday.
The seven-year-old was beaten just a neck by Fiveforthree in the Ballymore Properties Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March 2008, but has been off the track since he was virtually pulled up at Punchestown a month later.
He makes his return from injury over the minimum trip later this week, but Morris feels two miles will be far enough given the likelihood of testing conditions on Venalmar’s chasing debut.
“He’s in good fettle and the plan is to let him take his chance on Thursday,” said the Fethard-based handler.
“We had him entered over three miles in Fairyhouse tomorrow, but we felt that would be too much with the ground the way it is.
“Two miles should be fine for him if it’s soft so fingers crossed he comes home safely.
“We’ll see how it goes before we think about any other plans for him.”