Our Duke and Robbie Power© Photo Healy Racing
Jessica Harrington reports Our Duke to be recovering well after undergoing a back operation following his disappointing reappearance at Down Royal.
Having rounded off last season with a stunning victory in the Irish Grand National, the seven-year-old began this campaign as a genuine Cheltenham Gold Cup contender.
His reputation took a knock when he finished tailed off in last month's JNwine.com Champion Chase, but Harrington is confident he will bounce back in due course.
"Our Duke had an operation on his back, but is back out trotting for the last few weeks. We have to start cantering now because he's getting very fresh," said the Moone-based trainer.
"He looks super and is moving super. I'm not sure when he'll be back, but he'll be back sometime shortly.
"He had kissing spines and also scoped dirty after the race in Down Royal, so I'm not sure whether the pain of one caused the other or what."
