Extensio might switch back to hurdles for next race

Popular York winner Extensio may switch back to hurdles for his next outing after Pat O’Donnell ruled out a run in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket.

The seven-year-old thrilled fans with his victory in a valuable staying handicap on the opening day of the Ebor Festival, sparking celebrations for his small-time Irish trainer. While O’Donnell had initially eyed Royal Ascot as a dream target, Extensio's only previous hurdle win at Roscommon in August has led to reconsidering a return to jumping.

"It’s taken a week to come back down to earth, but we’re back to normal now," said the Limerick-based trainer. "Extensio has come out of York well, but we’re not heading to the Cesarewitch. After discussing with Joey (Sheridan, jockey), we’re sticking with the original plan of aiming for Royal Ascot."

O’Donnell is now considering a winner’s hurdle at Listowel at the end of next month instead. "The Cesarewitch might be too much of a slog for him, especially against seasoned stayers like The Shunter," he explained. "If we had only placed at York, Newmarket might have been a possibility, but his decisive win makes me want to be more cautious."

While plans remain flexible, O’Donnell is also contemplating a run at the Cheltenham Festival. "We’ll see how he performs next time," he said. "Cheltenham is a consideration, as it has been for other horses in similar positions. We’ll take it step by step and make decisions based on his performance and condition."

For now, the focus is on the next steps with Extensio, and O’Donnell plans to keep him in top form for future targets.