'They aren't that different' - Byrnes compares Khal to former Cheltenham hero

Leopardstown's Dublin Racing Festival is calling for Albert Bartlett favourite Blazing Khal, with trainer Charles Byrnes relishing the chance to see his stable star put to the test in Grade 1 company for the first time.

Byrnes believes some of the six-year-old's biggest Cheltenham Festival threats were on display at Naas last Sunday, expressing his major respect for the Gordon Elliott-trained pair of Ginto and Hollow Games.

Elliott's comments after the Grade 1 Lawlors Of Naas Novice Hurdle, suggesting that winner Ginto would likely bypass the Dublin Racing Festival, will have come as music to Byrnes' ears, as the big Leopardstown meeting has been earmarked as Blazing Khal's next target.

Byrnes' imposing youngster surged to the head of the Albert Bartlett market after two ready Cheltenham wins in November and December, now priced between 7-2 and 5-1.

"Looking at that Grade 1 at Naas, it was some race," said Byrnes.

"I'd say I might as well take a pat on the back for placing our horse well by avoiding them! Ginto was very good, you'd have to respect him, and Hollow Games could be very strong over three miles."

Blazing Khal (right): leading fancy for the Albert Bartlett Novices' HurdleCredit: Edward Whitaker

He added: "The plan is to get him ready for the Dublin Racing Festival, ground depending. As long as the ground is safe he'll be fine. He's had an easy time of it after his last run and is only starting up again now."

Byrnes knows exactly what it takes to win the Albert Bartlett and believes the big-race favourite isn't too dissimilar to his 2009 hero Weapon's Amnesty.

Should Blazing Khal take in the Grade 1 Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors Novice Hurdle over 2m6f at Leopardstown on February 5, he would be bidding to go one better than Weapon's Amnesty did on his final start before landing the Albert Bartlett, although the DRF prize was run over 2m4f at that time.

"You'd have to be very pleased with the way he finished last time over three miles," said Byrnes of Blazing Khal.

"I'm also well aware that they probably weren't very strong Grade 2s, but he did what he did and couldn't do any more. Three miles will be his job. Himself and Weapon's Amnesty aren't that different."

Weapon's Amnesty: followed up his Albert Bartlett success in the following season's RSA ChaseCredit: Edward Whitaker

Blazing Khal races in the multiple Grade 1-winning trainer's own green and white Byrnes Bloodstock Limited colours.

After sending out a double in the same silks at Killarney in 2018, Byrnes memorably joked: "Everything in those colours are for sale. If the wife is wearing them, then you know she’s for sale too."

You'd be forgiven for expecting the trainer's phone to have been ringing off the hook with offers to buy the Cheltenham Festival favourite after his recent exploits, but he says that hasn't been the case.

Byrnes said: "There hasn't been interest in him. Some people would rather pay €300,000 or €400,000 for a point-to-point winner. At the right price he is for sale, but I won't be giving him away."

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