LiveScore Racing News: Kotmask win sparks Cheltenham debate

Kotmask was made to dig deep for his latest victory in the Chatteris Fen Juvenile Hurdle at Huntingdon on Friday, with the success sparking a debate regarding a potential run at the Cheltenham Festival.

The Gary Moore-trained four-year-old was making just his second start on British soil, but after winning by 12 lengths on his debut for the yard at Fontwell last month, he went off as favourite. 

Saddled by his trainer's son Jamie, Kotmask was pushed all the way to the line by Collingham, but he was able to claim the victory by a head verdict, with Genuflex, who had done most of the early running alongside the winner, coming in third. 

This latest victory has led to suggestions that Kotmask could now be aimed at the Cheltenham Festival in March and it's certainly something owner Gary Robinson is considering. 

The Grade One Triumph Hurdle and the Fred Winter Juvenile Novices' Handicap Hurdle, which is a Grade Three offering, have both emerged as potential options. 

"I got a little worried coming to the finish, but he is a great horse with a lovely temperament. He has done well for us today and I'm really pleased," Robinson said on Racing TV. 

"I'd love to see him at Cheltenham in March and hopefully he will be there. Whether that is the Triumph Hurdle or the Fred Winter, it would be great. 

"I think more so at the moment it would be the Fred Winter." 

Robinson's hopes of a Prestbury Park run for Kotmask may contrast with the thoughts of his trainer, with winning jockey Jamie Moore indicating that Cheltenham may not be on their agenda, with runs at Ascot and Newbury instead being considered. 

"I don't know where we go next as I don't know what dad has got planned for him. I don't worry about Fred Winters and Triumphs as there are plenty of other races," Jamie Moore said. 

"There are handicaps at Ascot and Newbury at the end of the season and they are other options for us." 

It was a good day all round for the Moore team at Huntingdon, as the father and son duo teamed up for their second win in the final race, with Odin's Quest claiming glory in what was a National Hunt Flat Race.