Rock on road to recovery

Mouse Morris hopes to have China Rock back in training next season as the gelding continues to recover from an injury he picked up in the Gold Cup at Cheltenham.

The eight-year-old was in the process of running a big race when he suffered a problem with a tendon.

China Rock, who was second to Kempes in the Growise Novice Chase at last year’s Punchestown Festival, has since undergone a form of cell regeneration on his off fore.

“He’s doing well and should be coming back in about another two or three weeks. I’m very hopeful that he’ll be back in action next season,” said Morris.

The Fethard trainer also reports First Lieutenant to be in good form as he prepares the Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle winner for the Punchestown Festival.

“Everything has gone to plan and he’ll run in the two-and-a-half-miler (Cathal Ryan Memorial Champion Novice Hurdle) at Punchestown next Friday. We gave him 10 days off after Cheltenham and he’s in great form,” added Morris.