Light set for Curragh return
Trainer Sir Michael Stoute has pencilled in the May 22 event for the four-year-old rather than tackling the Vodafone Coronation Cup in June.
North Light, who also finished second to Grey Swallow in the Irish Derby and fifth to Bago in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, could clash with those old rivals again at the Curragh.
Stoute told the Racing Post: “North Light is on course to run in the Tattersalls Gold Cup and will not be heading to Epsom.
“I don’t know yet whether he’ll be aimed at the King George - let’s get round one in Ireland out of the way first.”
Meanwhile Royal Shakespeare, runner-up in Saturday's Scottish Champion Hurdle, could make a quick reappearance at Sandown on Friday or at Punchestown the following week.
Trainer Steve Gollings has entered the six-year-old for the Concept Hurdle at the Esher track and he could well line up in the £50,000 contest if the ground remains on the good side.
Royal Shakespeare is also in the Emo Oil Champion Hurdle at the Punchestown Festival and Gollings will have to decide between the two.
He said: “He’s entered at Sandown but he’s also in at Punchestown which is only a week after so it would have to be a decision between the two.
“He won’t have a penalty for the Sandown race as he was only second yesterday and if the ground was right he could go for that, but at the moment both are possible targets.
“Although he is definitely one of the best four hurdlers in this country, I think he’s about 10 to 15lb behind the top Irish horses.
“We will have to think about it but it will all depend on the ground really.”
Gollings was pleased enough with Saturday's four-length second to Genghis. He added: “It was a very encouraging run considering that Genghis was getting weight from us after such a good win at Aintree. Royal Shakespeare’s come out of the race fine.”
