Edward O’Grady remains optimistic despite No Flies On Him's second-place finish at Punchestown last Sunday, owned by JP McManus.
The five-year-old impressed in previous events, defeating Grade One winner Jango Baie and showcasing his talent at Leopardstown over Christmas.
O’Grady, known for his success on the big stage, had high hopes for a return to former glory with No Flies On Him. Despite holding entries in prestigious races like the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and the Baring Bingham, the young horse will not be making an appearance at Cheltenham this time.
The decision was made as O’Grady shared, “He won’t go to Cheltenham," citing the need for further development after his impressive performance at Punchestown. No Flies On Him showed potential growth, particularly evident in his resilience to secure second place after an error at the final hurdle.
Looking ahead, O’Grady is considering a change in distance for the young horse, acknowledging the gap in experience compared to Tullyhill. The team remains confident in No Flies On Him's capabilities and is open to exploring different strategies for future races.
Despite the setback at Punchestown, O’Grady sees promise in No Flies On Him’s performance and anticipates further improvement with each race. The team is focused on nurturing the horse's potential and is optimistic about what lies ahead in his racing career.