Willie Mullins confirms Aintree plan for Fairyhouse absentee Footpad

Willie Mullins confirmed Footpad is likely to head for Aintree after being taken out of the Ryanair Gold Cup at Fairyhouse.

The six-year-old extended his unbeaten record over fences to four with a brilliant display in the Arkle Trophy at Cheltenham earlier this month and was in contention to make a swift reappearance in the Grade One feature on Easter Sunday.