Barrow is betfred doubt

Pat Hughes has warned that Point Barrow is far from certain to tackle Saturday’s Betfred Gold Cup at Sandown.

The nine-year-old was one of three co-favourites for the Grand National only to crash out at the first fence in the four-and-a-half-mile marathon.

Hughes had been hoping to bid for compensation at Sandown but is concerned by the prospect of fast ground.

He told the Racing Post: “I know they’re watering at Sandown but the word ’firm’ is still in the ground description, and unless they get rain, Point Barrow is unlikely to run.

“He could go for the Pat Taaffe Handicap Chase at Punchestown on Thursday, although there is also a three-mile handicap hurdle on the same day to consider.”