FLINTHAM, half-brother to Gold Cup hero Coneygree and full-brother to former Hennessy winner Carruthers, could be Cheltenham bound after defying 11st 12lb at Warwick on Saturday.

The seven-year-old, pictured above on way to victory, beat Pobbles Bay in a Pertemps series qualifying hurdle.

“It’s just an extraordinary family. They are very tough, love jumping and give you everything,” said trainer Mark Bradstock, who is based at Letcombe Bassett, near Wantage.

“He’ll get the entry in the Pertemps Final. Soft ground would help as we wouldn’t race him on fast.

“We’ll definitely go back novice chasing next season.”