Bear to take a break

Straw Bear will enjoy an extended break before returning to racing in the autumn after pulling up in the Champion Hurdle last week.

The Nick Gifford-trained gelding was found to have burst a blood vessel following his no-show, but previously slammed Cheltenham third Afsoun by a cosy seven lengths at Wincanton.

Findon-based Gifford says the mishap at the Festival was very frustrating, especially as Afsoun’s prominent showing suggests Straw Bear would have been closely involved in the two-mile championship.

“It is very, very frustrating but that’s horses for you. You’ve just got to keep your chin up and get on with it,” he said.

“He’s now gone back for an early summer holiday – JP (McManus, owner) has all of his horses back for the summer. He went back yesterday so he’ll have an extended summer holiday.”

Gifford says no decision has yet been made as to whether Straw Bear will remain over timber next year or embark upon a chasing career.

“I don’t know but we’ve got all summer to think about that,” he added.

“I should think that they’ll probably send him off to Enda Bolger’s for a bit at some stage in the summer and pop him over some poles. I’m sure we’ll make a decision in the autumn.”