Williams to delay decision on Mome Gold Cup bid

Venetia Williams is likely to make a “late call” on whether Mon Mome goes for the Cheltenham Gold Cup on his way to another crack at the John Smith’s Grand National.

The veteran was a 100-1 winner of the Aintree marathon in 2009 and after pulling up in the race 12 months later, spent a lengthy period on the sidelines before returning in a hurdle race at Haydock last month.

The 12-year-old took a big step forward when second back over fences at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day, reigniting dreams of further National glory.

“He’s fine and he’ll certainly have an entry in the Gold Cup, although when he ran in it before (third in 2010) I only made a firm decision on the day so it may be a late call as he must have soft ground,” said Williams.

“There are one or two options for him and I’ve still not managed to win a race with him over hurdles, so putting him in a novice hurdle somewhere is certainly an option.”