THE Young Master, trained at Conkwell Grange stables near Winsley, is to be prepared for a crack at the Hennessy Gold Cup next season.

Trainer Neil Mulholland tasted Festival success last week with The Druids Nephew but his big hope heading into the meeting was The Young Master in the RSA Chase.

Unfortunately, having been off since a win at Ascot in December he ran too keen and trailed home well beaten.

"The race didn't go to plan, he did too much too early," said Mulholland on At The Races.

"Barry (Geraghty) said he was a bit keen and a bit fresh. It wasn't the plan to make the running.

"The ground was also a bit quick for him, so he'll probably have a break now.

"He did extremely well last year for having a break and we'll see how he is after another summer.

"I'm not sure if he'll have a prep run or not, but we'll train him for the Hennessy Gold Cup."

The Druids Nephew will now head for Aintree.

"The yard is buzzing, we've had a good year but a Festival winner is the icing on the cake," said Mulholland.

"He's got a nice weight in the National, his jumping is fantastic, he travels well and also has stamina.

"He doesn't get a penalty and I get the feeling he's just a happy horse and I've no reason to think he won't run a good race, he ticks all the boxes."