Davids Lad appeal set for Monday
The date was set yesterday for the appeal by trainer Tony Martin against the 42-day suspension for the horse and 1,000 fine he received for using the racecourse as a training ground.
Jockey Timmy Murphy was also suspended for seven days for the incident at Naas on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Davids Lad is among nine Irish entries for the attheraces Gold Cup at Sandown on April 26. Youlneverwalkalone, Harbour Pilot and The Bunny Boiler are also among the 86 entries.
Last year’s winner Bounce Back heads the list. His trainer, Martin Pipe, holds most entries with 15, including Dark Stranger, who has not been seen in action since chasing home his stablemate in last season’s renewal.
Among Pipe‘s others are Tarxien, Royal Auclair and Iris Bleu, winner of the Agfa Diamond Chase at Sandown earlier this month.
Paul Nicholls has six entries headed by old stager See More Business, as well as ante-post Martell Cognac Grand National favourite Ad Hoc, who won this race when it was known as the Whitbread in 2001.
Jonjo O’Neill has entered five including Coral Welsh Grand National winner Mini Sensation.
Weights for the race will be announced on March 17.
Elsewhere, Hussard Collonges completed his final key workout before the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup with a racecourse gallop under regular rider Russ Garrity yesterday.
Last year’s Royal & SunAlliance Chase winner worked over a mile-and-three-quarters at a track local to trainer Peter Beaumont’s Brandsby base.
Beaumont said: “Russ was happy and everything went to plan. We just need a bit of luck over the next fortnight to get him there in top shape.
“I‘m hoping for a bit of rain in the run-up to the race but I’m trying not to panic yet.
“You’ve got to think he has a great chance in the race but there will be plenty of runners and all their trainers will probably be thinking the same!”
Hussard Collonges has run three times this season, most recently when second to Truckers Tavern, giving the winner 15lbs, in the Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock Park.
