Horseracing: Grimes to make comeback at Wincanton

Grimes is on the verge of a comeback and could be one of three possible runners - along with Istabraq and Youlneverwalkalone - for owner JP McManus in the Smurfit Champion Hurdle.

The lightly-raced eight-year-old has fully recovered from injury and is set to return to action in the Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton on February 22.

Trainer Christy Roche confirmed that Grimes is set to take in this race as preparation for a tilt at the premier hurdling event at the Cheltenham Festival.

"It's taken time to get him right after he hurt himself in the summer," said Roche.

"He's been in work for a while now but we need to give him a run before going to Cheltenham.

"It's not ideal taking him over to England but there's no suitable races at home now for him.

"We'd like the ground to be good for him and hopefully it might have dried up by then."

Grimes finished second to Flagship Uberalles on his chasing debut at Aintree in 1999, but flopped three times subsequently over fences and was switched back to hurdles.

He showed that he had lost none of his dash when landing the Shell Champion Hurdle at Punchestown last April.

On his last outing, at Killarney last May, he obliged in a Grade 3 handicap.

Grimes is quoted at 33-1 by William Hill for the Champion Hurdle and that looks generous given the apparent lack of serious opposition to Istabraq.

"He's a real good horse and the plan is definitely to aim him for the Champion Hurdle," said Roche.

"It looks like we might be all running for second place money but that's certainly worth going for as well."