O’Neill waiting on That tests
The Jonjo O’Neill-trained seven-year-old won the Ladbrokes World Hurdle 12 months ago when ending the unbeaten record of top Irish mare Annie Power, but was beaten on his return to action at Newbury in November and has not run since.
He bled after exercise earlier in the week, and the defence of his Cheltenham crown hangs in the balance.
O’Neill said: “We should get all his results back by Wednesday, I think, so we’ll know more by the end of next week.”
O’Neill had happier news on Thursday when Holywell came back to form in fine style at Carlisle, putting himself firmly in the Gold Cup picture.
However, the Jackdaws Castle handler is resigned to the fact Tony McCoy is unlikely to be available for the ride, instead being required by JP McManus for Irish Hennessy hero Carlingford Lough.
He said: “He’s come out of it well and it’s straight to Cheltenham.
“I don’t know what it was earlier in the year, they all tailed off but they are back running well again now.
“We ran more tests than any hospital, yet nothing showed up.
“I don’t think AP (McCoy) has a choice, though, he’ll have to ride the other fella.”
Meanwhile Violet Dancer is to head for the County Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham following his victory in Newbury’s Betfair Hurdle.
Trainer Gary Moore will resist the temptation of a bonus traditionally offered to a horse winning the Imperial Cup at Sandown and a race at the Festival the following week.
Moore does not believe Violet Dancer can take two races in quick succession and will concentrate on preparing him for the County on March 13.
“He’ll go straight for the County Hurdle. I don’t think he’s the horse that can do the two – the Imperial Cup and then go to Cheltenham. I’d rather go straight to Cheltenham with him,” Moore said.
