Presenting Percy pencilled in for Punchy
Owner Philip Reynolds has mooted the John Durkan Chase at Punchestown.
With had just one outing over hurdles , he could only finish eighth although Even the eight-year-old was sent off favourite for the Gold Cup at Cheltenham in March.
Problems were found which prevented him from running again, but most of those have now been resolved.
Reynolds advised the Irish Field:”it is a case of so far, really good. Pat (Kelly, trainer) and Jerry Kelly (vet) are content with him and once they are happy that’ll do me.
“He had a small process to remove fluid out of his back and that I do not know whether that had something to do with the way he conducted Cheltenham. We discovered he had post Cheltenham.
“He’s starting off the season exactly like everyone and the reality is that he may just be”a different horse”.
“This time last year I could not lie straight in bed with enthusiasm. I believe the best opportunity a horse has of winning a Gold Cup would be straight after their novice season. Now he will be meeting all last seasons novices, along with Al Boum Photo, so we’ll just have to see where he fits in.
“it is a little premature to say where he will return. What has to be appropriate for him, although hopefully we’ll get started someplace before Christmas.
“Clonmel will come too soon for himas will Royal, therefore I guess you may be taking a look at the John Durkan in Punchestown. After that remains to be seen, where he might go there is a whole great deal of water.
“I only hope we do not have another winter like last season – that the ground was fast all winter and a repeat would be a tragedy.”
Read more: betfair