Galileo plans still on hold

Plans for Galileo, one of last season’s top novice hurdlers, are still on hold as he recovers from a setback.

Tom George’s Polish-bred gelding won both his starts last term, rounding off his campaign with an impressive three and a half length victory from Over The Bar in the Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

Galileo was due to reappear in the PricewaterhouseCoopers Ascot Hurdle last month but at the time George revealed “a sensitive area on his off-fore sesamoid” would keep him out.

The six-year-old had the problem checked at the Royal Veterinary College and the Stroud-based trainer reports Galileo to be in good form although no return is planned yet.

He said: “Everything is fine with the horse at present and we will be reassessing the situation in six weeks time.

“He’s having six weeks swimming but he looks very well at the moment and he’s holding his fitness and swimming away. We will just play it by ear now.”

Galileo is a 6-1 chance with Coral for the Bonusprint Stayers’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.