Owner Philip Reynolds has mooted That the John Durkan Chase at Punchestown.
Even the eight-year-old was sent off favourite for the Gold Cup at Cheltenham in March but with had one previous outing over hurdles, he could only finish eighth.
All those have been solved, although Issues were found that prevented him from running .
Reynolds advised the Irish Field:”it is a case of so far, so good. Pat (Kelly, coach ) and Jerry Kelly (vet) are happy with him and as soon as they are happy that will do me.
“He had a little method to remove fluid out of his spine and I do not know whether that had something to do with the way he conducted at Cheltenham. We found he had post Cheltenham.
“He is starting off the season just like everybody else and the fact is that he may just be”another horse”.
“This time I couldn’t lie straight in bed with enthusiasm. I believe the best opportunity a horse has of winning a Gold Cup is after their newcomer season. Now he will be meeting with all last seasons novices, along with Al Boum Photo, so we’ll just have to see where he fits in.
“It’s a little premature to say where he will return. Hopefully we’ll get started before Christmas, but what needs to be ideal for him.
“Clonmel will come for himas will Down Royal, therefore I suppose you could be looking at exactly the John Durkan in Punchestown. After that remains to be noticed, where he would go there is a great deal of water.
“I only hope we don’t have yet another winter like last year – the floor was quick all winter and also a repeat would be a tragedy.”
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