Royal poised for return over jumps

Royal Shakespeare is on course to return to jumping after a pipe-opener on the Flat.

Steve Gollings’ chaser could make his seasonal debut over fences at Aintree or Kempton later this month after finishing unplaced at the latter track on Wednesday night in a mile-and-a-half handicap on the Polytrack.

“Two years ago we did the exact same thing with him at Wolverhampton. It was a pipe-opener to switch him on competitively,” said Gollings.

“He’s not a Flat horse – he wants obstacles in his way to spur him on.

“Once he’s had a run he’s less gassy and settles a lot better. Hopefully that will have done the trick.”

The Louth-based handler is considering the Old Roan Chase on October 28 but the Aintree handicap could attract a high-quality field.

Gollings added: “He will be entered for the race and we’ll have a look.

“There’s also a two-mile handicap chase at Kempton the week before that.

“He’s pencilled in for most of the opportunities that are presenting themselves, depending on the ground.”