Ruth Jefferson is eager to see her standout six-year-old, Kerryhill, back in action in the Betfair Stayers’ Handicap Hurdle at Haydock on Saturday.
Acquired for £115,000 from the Irish point-to-point circuit, Kerryhill impressed last season, winning two of his three novice hurdle starts. He capped his campaign with a dominant Grade Two triumph at Doncaster in January.
Jefferson is pleased with her charge’s condition ahead of his seasonal debut and sees this race as pivotal in determining his future path—either continuing over hurdles or making the switch to chasing.
"He’s an intended runner, all being well. I’m happy with him," Jefferson said. "This run will tell us what we’re doing, if I’m honest. It’s a nice race, and he should carry a good weight. Some of his Doncaster form has been franked, so we hope he’s well-handicapped."
"I think there is a rain forecast, and we will need it."
Kerryhill will aim to build on his promising form as he embarks on what could be an exciting campaign.