Bayan looks likely to swerve Cheltenham for French race

Ladbroke Hurdle winner Bayan is on target for the Prix Juigne at Auteuil on March 1 which would make him unlikely to take up his entry in the Coral Cup at the Cheltenham Festival.

Gordon Elliott’s six-year-old has been a star for connections, rarely running a bad race either on the Flat or over hurdles.

He is prominent in the betting for the Coral Cup with the sponsors but part-owner Gary O’Brien said he would only run if something untoward to happen before the French race which is worth €135,000.