The Reverend to wait for hurdling debut

The Reverend’s hurdles bow is set to be delayed slightly after his name was missing from the declarations for Leopardstown’s St Stephen’s Day card.

Rated 102 on the Flat after victory in the Old Borough Cup earlier in the autumn, he was transferred to Willie Mullins to try his hand at hurdling during the winter months, receiving an entry for the race Closutton won with subsequent Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner Kopek Des Bordes 12 months ago.

However, connections are minded to exercise patience and with Mullins having many hands to play over the festive period are content to wait their turn before stepping out over timber for the first time.

“He’s likely to run in a maiden hurdle over the next couple of weeks,” said Sean Graham, racing manager to owner Tony Bloom.

“He’s schooled at the Curragh and schooled well, but we’re in no rush and happy to wait.

“Willie has that many similar horses to run and we’re always happy to be guided by him and if he thinks we’re best waiting another couple of weeks, we’re happy to be patient and look forward to then.”