Dessie Hughes eying up Slaney Hurdle date for Minsk

Dessie Hughes is to step Minsk back up in trip for his next run after finishing fourth to Jezki in the Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse on Sunday.

The Curragh trainer felt Minsk could not quicken off a slow pace in the two-mile Grade One and will now target the four-year-old at the Grade Two Slaney Hurdle at Naas next month.

"Maybe he does want a bit further. We might not have made enough use of him," said Hughes.

"They quickened on him. Ruby didn't go that quick in front (on Champagne Fever).

"We'd be happy enough to go again and he'll go for the Slaney Hurdle on January 6."