Sam Spinner set for Aintree

Trainer Jedd O’Keeffe says that Sam Spinner will be given one more chance to prove himself over hurdles at Aintree.

The six-year-old put in a disappointing performance at last week’s Cheltenham Festival as he came home fifth behind Penhill in Thursday’s Stayers’ Hurdle.

O’Keeffe feels a lack of company during the majority of the race was detrimental to his charge at Prestbury Park.

The trainer confirmed that Sam Spinner will get one more chance to prove his ability over hurdles at Aintree on April 14 as they consider the possibility of going to the French Champion Hurdle too.

O’Keeffe said: “We’ve still got the option of schooling him over a fence – we’re in two minds about that – as he’s still a very exciting prospect.

“The plan is to go to Aintree, the track there will suit. Ideally we’d like some company up front so we can help force it with something else or have something to aim at.

“Depending on how he does at Aintree, the French Champion Hurdle is still a possible because if we do consider a novice chase campaign I’d probably prefer to finish him sooner so he can get valuable experience over fences in the autumn.

“If we keep him over hurdles there aren’t too many early-season opportunities, so it’s still up in the air.”