Ted Walsh's consistent mare, Gaoth Chuil, is yet to finalise her plans after an impressive performance at the Dublin Racing Festival.
The six-year-old, whose name translates to "tailwind" in English, has emerged as a progressive contender this season. Following two promising finishes over two and a half miles, she showcased her potential at Leopardstown during Christmas, triumphing in a Pertemps qualifier over an extended trip.
Last weekend in the valuable Listed handicap at the Irish capital, Gaoth Chuil appeared set to add another victory to her campaign. She engaged in a thrilling battle with Maxxum but valiantly conceded by less than a length to her determined rival.
Ted Walsh praised her abilities, describing her as a talented and consistent filly who consistently performs admirably. However, he acknowledged that she may be approaching the limits of her capabilities after steadily advancing through the handicap ranks. Despite narrowly missing out on victory, Walsh expressed satisfaction with her overall performance throughout the last year.
While Gaoth Chuil is currently considered one of the favourites for the Pertemps at the upcoming Cheltenham Festival, Walsh remains cautious about committing her to Prestbury Park. He pointed out that the owner, Michael Ryan, may have alternative options in mind, particularly Liverpool, where he has already enjoyed success with Al Eile, a four-time winner.
Walsh intends to evaluate the race conditions closer to the event before making a decision. While acknowledging Gaoth Chuil's potential to deliver a respectable performance at Cheltenham, he raises a question mark regarding her ability to secure victory in such a fiercely competitive field.
Turning to another notable contender, Any Second Now, it has been decided that he will not make the journey to Aintree for this year's Grand National. Despite finishing third in 2021 and second in 2022, the veteran steeplechaser was pulled up early during his third attempt at the world's most renowned steeplechase. Ted Walsh believes that Any Second Now may have exhausted his chances over the famous spruce fences, and several factors, including age and an unfavourable handicap rating, influenced the decision to forgo the English National.
Instead, Any Second Now will be campaigned closer to home, with the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse on Easter Monday being considered as a potential target, provided he regains his best form in the coming months. Walsh underlines the importance of witnessing a resurgence in the horse's performance before committing to any national races.
He mentions the possibility of participating in the National Trial at Punchestown and a few other races leading up to Fairyhouse. However, Walsh calls attention to the fact that Any Second Now will need to display a competitive spirit and impressive performance on the track before being entered into any national events.