Halo to get another chance over fences
Paul Nicholls’ 2009 Champion Hurdle runner-up looked sure to take high rank among novice chasers this season and all appeared to be going well on his introduction before he came down four fences from home.
Owner Andy Stewart admits connections were considering ditching a potential chasing career in favour of going back over the smaller obstacles, but jockey Ruby Walsh has urged them to give it another go.
“He’s absolutely fine this morning and Ruby said not to give up on him just yet,” said Stewart.
“Both he and Philip Hobbs’ horse (Rougham) fell independently at the fence but as Ruby said afterwards, it’s better to do at Exeter than do it in the Arkle.
“We had a brief discussion last night and we were thinking about going two and a half miles over hurdles, but we’ve decided to stick to chasing for the moment.
“He probably actually wants three miles over hurdles now and obviously we’ve already got Big Buck’s going down that route, so we’ll give chasing another go.
“He has an entry at Aintree this weekend but he won’t be turning up there and the next time you’ll see him will be in a small race to try to build his confidence up.
“We’ll see what happens there and then make further plans.”
Another interesting novice chaser Stewart has an interest in is Nicholls’ Ghizao, who was beaten into second on his fencing bow at Cheltenham on Saturday.
Although he let down favourite backers, Stewart, who owns the gelding in partnership with David Johnson, expects significant improvement and a return to Prestbury Park on November 14 is next on his agenda.
