Irilut could bid to regain the Lord Ashton of Hyde’s Cup at the Heythrop Hunt point-to-point meeting at Dunthrop, near Chipping Norton, on Sunday.
The 14-year-old fulfilled an ambition for owner-trainer Robert Waley-Cohen, who is based at Edge Hill, near Banbury, when captured the men’s open trophy two years ago.
Victory 12 months ago – in one of the sport’s four classic races – went to Bowdens Lane, who romped home for Gloucestershire trainer Julie Houldey, and he is set to defend his crown.
Taxi Fare, who came from well off the pace to record a remarkable success in the members’ race for Hook Norton owner-trainer-rider Andy Martin last year, could face runner-up Moscow Court in this year’s renewal.
Moscow Court, who won this contest for Celia Plunkett’s nearby Wigginton yard in 2006 and 2008, looked poised to complete a treble last year only to stop to almost a walk on the run-in.
First of nine races is 11.45am.
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