Gollings waits on weather

Steve Gollings hopes for drying conditions at Cheltenham so Royal Shakespeare can take part in Sunday’s Greatwood Hurdle.

The six-year-old gained a decisive success over Intersky Falcon in the totesport.com Elite Hurdle at Wincanton last Saturday and would be saddled with a 6lb penalty if given the go-ahead for the valuable handicap contest.

“The ground is key to his participation at Cheltenham on Sunday as it has to be genuinely good ground for him and it was touch and go at Wincanton,” said the Louth-based trainer.

“We will wait for the ‘Fighting Fifth’ at Newcastle (on November 26) if the ground is not suitable as there is no point in him slugging his guts out on unsuitable ground carrying a big weight.”

Royal Shakespeare’s victory in last weekend’s Grade Two race propelled him to a share of the lead in the race for the BHB Order Of Merit.

Gollings has not ruled out a bid for the end-of-season bonus and added: “I think it is a great idea and wish I had more horses that could take part in the races.

“It would be great if a small yard could do well in the Order of Merit and we will certainly keep it in the back of our mind as the season progresses.”