A HEREFORDSHIRE trainer is already looking forward to next season when his talented horse takes to the fences.

Woolhope trainer Clive Boultbee-Brooks is excited at what waits for Felicie Du Maquis when she tackles fences next term.

The seven-year-old took another victory in the Grade Two outing at Warwick on New Year’s Eve maintaining her unbeaten record under Rules.

The Woolhope handler appears to have unearthed a smart prospect in the daughter of Saddler Maker, who followed up her last time out win at Lingfield with a commanding front running display in the Poundland EBF Mares’ ‘National Hunt’ Novices’ Hurdle. 

Barely putting a foot wrong in the two miles and five furlongs prize, which was claimed 12 months ago by Love Envoi, who went on to land the Dawn Run Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, the 4-1 chance cruised home by four and a quarter lengths. 

Boultbee-Brooks, who also owns the seven-year-old said: “It was lovely seeing that. She loves going from the front and this ground really suits her down to the ground as does this sort of trip. 

“She had a good schooling last season in points and she came under rules with plenty of experience and knew her job last time out. 

“Tommie (O’Brien, jockey) felt there was a lot left in the tank at the end of the race. She is a chaser at heart and next season is going to be interesting.”

Assessing future plans Boultbee-Brooks earmarked the Grade Two Weatherbys Cheltenham Festival Betting Guide Jane Seymour Novices’ Hurdle at Sandown Park on February 16, which Love Envoi claimed on route to her Festival triumph, as the next target for Felicie Du Maquis.

He added: “We are going to breed out of her at some point so getting black type will be part of the journey. 

“Tommie mentioned about going to Sandown in February with her for the Grade Two there so fingers crossed it stays wet. I think we have to keep her rolling on this sort of ground.”