Time running out for River Festival bid

Paul Nolan admits time is running out for Cloone River to prove his fitness in time for the Cheltenham Festival.

The 10-year-old is currently a 16-1 chance with Ladbrokes to win the Queen Mother Champion Chase in March but a recurrence of an old back injury has put his participation in jeopardy.

Although a scan revealed the setback – which ruled him out of the Victor Chandler Chase – to be not as bad as first feared, Nolan believes the Punchestown Festival at the end of April may be a more realistic assignment than Cheltenham.

“Cheltenham is still on the agenda but I wouldn’t advise people to take any ante-post prices,” he said.

“I’d back the horse with a run, but at this stage I’d worry we are not going to make Cheltenham in time.

“If he keeps working the way he’s working we’ve got a chance, but we’re looking more towards Punchestown,” the County Wexford-based handler told At The Races.