Racing fans will be treated to the sight of Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Minella Indo making his debut over the cross-country fences in the Glenfarclas Crystal Cup Cross Country Handicap Chase at Cheltenham on Friday.
The Henry De Bromhead-trained gelding has produced mixed efforts at the top level since his historic victory, taking the Grade 3 New Year's Day Chase at Tramore before being pulled up in the 2023 renewal of the Gold Cup. He was soundly beaten in the Grade 1 Ladbrokes Champion Chase behind Gerri Colombe in mid-November and connections are keen to take a new strategy with their hero.
In an interview with Betfair, jockey Rachael Blackmore said: "This is obviously a new discipline for him, his first run in a cross-country race, but he has done plenty of cross-country schooling at home, and he has also had a pop over some of the obstacles at Cheltenham.
"Of course, you can't beat racing experience around that track, but he has shown us plenty with the cross-country bits that he has done.
"It's a handicap, so he has to give weight away to all his rivals, but he is a Gold Cup winner who retains lots of ability, and I'm hoping that he can run well."
De Bromhead reiterated the sentiment, saying: "He seems to really enjoy it and has been schooling well, so we said we would let him take his chance.
"He seems in great form and we have been delighted with him. We want to have a look at the race and see, we think it is something he enjoys and we will see on Friday."
Minella Indo will take on rivals with a variety of experience, including Latenightpass who finished second behind Foxy Jacks in the cross-country contest at the November Meeting. Given a three pound rise in the handicap, trainer Dan Skelton is hopeful of a big performance from the gelding.
"He ran beautifully last time and I was very happy with what I saw," said Skelton.
"He's got a low weight again this time and he's got to be competitive again. He would have to be in the mix."
