Swan's Cloone River takes Ascot plunge

Former Galway Hurdle winner Cloone River is likely to make the trek across the Irish Sea to contest Saturday’s “Bet Live” williamhill.com Handicap Hurdle at Ascot.

The talented 11-year-old was off the track for over two years after taking a crashing fall when attempting to double up for Paul Nolan in the Irish feature in 2005.

Now with Charlie Swan, Cloone River returned to action on the Flat in September and was not beaten far over timber at Tipperary earlier in the month.

While he also holds an alternative engagement in Down Royal’s William Ewart Properties Handicap Hurdle, Swan says his charge could head to Ascot for better ground in the £80,000 heat.

“I’d probably be leaning more towards running at Ascot this weekend as he likes fast ground and he likes racing right-handed,” the County Tipperary trainer said.

“The ground could just be a bit slow in Ireland so we’ll probably go to Ascot and it’s a big pot there.

“I’ve been pleased with him and he seems to be coming back to himself now. Hopefully he’ll run well now.

“He’s had a few niggly problems but he’s starting to come back and he seems really well.

“He loves going right-handed and it could be one of the last opportunities of the season to get some good, fast ground for him.”