Joncol out of Ryanair Chase

Joncol was a high-profile withdrawal from the Ryanair Chase at the latest forfeit stage.

Trainer Paul Nolan has decided not to run the Irish Hennessy hero at Cheltenham and wait for the Guinness Gold Cup at Punchestown in April.

“The horse will hopefully now go to Punchestown providing that the ground is safe at that time,” confirmed the County Wexford handler.

“I am very pleased with the horse and he is doing very well and has come out of the Hennessy better than the Lexus and I couldn’t be happier with him.

“The decision was made before the Hennessy that if he won, we wouldn’t go to Cheltenham and we’ll wait and give it another year before we go there.

“We’re better off sticking with the plan and that’s the reason we’re missing Cheltenham. He’s really learning to race now and Cheltenham is a bit too soon.

“We’ll give him more runs and more experience for Cheltenham next year. Hopefully it will be the Gold Cup next year if the horse stays sound – and there is no reason why not.”

There are still 15 Irish entries among a total of 33, including Willie Mullins’ Golden Silver, Dessie Hughes’ Schindlers Hunt and the Edward O’Grady-trained Tranquil Sea.

Poquelin, trained by Paul Nicholls, is 4-1 favourite with Paddy Power, while other interesting possibles include last year’s runner-up Voy Por Ustedes and the Queen’s Barbers Shop, trained by Nicky Henderson.