Racing: Banquet in store for Slaney

SLANEY NATIVE could earn himself a trip to the Cheltenham Festival when he makes his second appearance over fences in the Denny Gold Medal Chase at Leopardstown on Boxing Day.

"I want to find out how good he is," Jessica Harrington, his trainer, said yesterday. "I understand that Alexander Banquet will run in the Denny and the race should answer a few questions. Hopefully he will go for either the Arkle Trophy or the Cathcart Chase at Cheltenham."

The Grey Monk, a well-backed, runaway winner over hurdles at Haydock on his reappearance, will continue his build up to the Grand National with an outing at Cheltenham next month, in the Spa Hurdle, the grey's trainer, Nicky Richards, said yesterday.