Owner Philip Reynolds has mooted That the John Durkan Chase at Punchestown.

With had one outing over hurdles , he could just finish eighth although Even the eight-year-old was sent off favourite for the Gold Cup at Cheltenham in March.
Those have now been resolved, although Issues were subsequently found which prevented him from running .
Reynolds told that the Irish Field:”it is a case of so far, so great. Pat (Kelly, trainer) and Jerry Kelly (vet) are pleased with him and once they are glad that will do me.
“He had a small procedure to remove fluid from his spine and that I don’t know if that had something to do with how he ran at Cheltenham. We also found he had post Cheltenham.
“He’s starting off the season exactly like everyone and the fact is that he may just be”another horse”.
“This time last year I could not lie straight in bed with excitement. I believe the best opportunity a horse has of winning a Gold Cup would be right after their novice season. He will be meeting with all of seasons novices, along with Al Boum Photo, so we’ll only have to find out where he matches.
“It’s a bit early to say where he will start back. What needs to be right for him, although hopefully we’ll get started before Christmas.
“Clonmel will come too soon for him personally , as will Down Royal, therefore I guess you may be taking a look at the John Durkan in Punchestown. Then remains to be seen, where he could go – there is a whole lot of water.
“I just hope we don’t have yet another winter like last year – that the ground was fast all winter and a repeat would be a tragedy.”

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