Murphy horse a doubt for Leopardstown
Colm Murphy faces a race against time to ready The Westener Boy for the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas.
The seven-year-old missed the majority of 2013 after picking up an injury when falling in the Thyestes Chase at Gowran, for which he was joint-favourite, and returned to action over hurdles earlier this year.
The Westener Boy has not run since March, when he was beaten just a length at Naas in a novice hurdle.
Murphy said: “We had a bit of a setback with him last week so I’m not sure whether he will run in the Paddy Power.
“We were hoping to get a run into him beforehand but we missed a week with him so plans are more fluid. He could still make it, although I would prefer him to be going there with a run under his belt.
“The plan then would be to run him in the Thyestes.”
Murphy has another entry in the Paddy Power Chase on December 27 in the shape of Rye Martini, who was sixth in a competitive handicap chase at Navan on Sunday.
Murphy said: “Rye Martini was a bit disappointing so I’m not sure if he will run in the Paddy Power.
“We will see how he is but there probably won’t be a whole lot else for him so the Paddy Power is an option.”
The stable has a promising bumper horse nearing his hurdling debut in Black Zambezi, who won on his debut at Gowran in October before finishing fourth to the unbeaten Valerian Bridge at Down Royal.
Murphy said: “Black Zambezi will go for a maiden hurdle at Leopardstown over Christmas.”
