Flat star Princess Zoe handed Cheltenham Festival target

Group One-winning mare Princess Zoe could make her hurdling debut as soon as next week following a satisfactory schooling session on Tuesday.

Trained by Tony Mullins, the popular eight-year-old proved to be a consistent and versatile performer on the Flat, with highlights including a top-level success in the 2020 running of the Prix du Cadran, a Sagaro Stakes victory last year and a silver medal behind Subjectivist in the 2021 Ascot Gold Cup.

Retired from duties on the level following a fourth placed finish in the Prix Royal-Oak in October, Princess Zoe was sent to the Tattersalls Mares Sale in December – but having failed to raise what connections were expecting, Patrick Kehoe and Philomena Crampton's high-class mare returned to Mullins, with a possible switch to the jumping game mooted.

That tentative plan is now set to become a reality, with Punchestown’s Join The Punchestown Members Club Mares Maiden Hurdle over two and a half miles on 30 January a possible starting point as connections bid to discover whether a trip to the Cheltenham Festival is a realistic target.

"She schooled well and we were quite happy with her," said Mullins.

"We will see how she is and we’re considering Punchestown next Monday and we’re also looking at options at Fairyhouse (8 February) and Thurles (9 February) as well. But she schooled adequately and we’re quite happy that she is well able to jump.

"She will be out sooner rather than later because the only reason she is going hurdling is with a view to Cheltenham."

He went on: "I think we’re leaning towards going there (Cheltenham) with just the one run.

"The Johnstown Hurdle (at Naas) is an option on February 26, but it’s quite tight for Cheltenham. It’s different for those in England, but we have