Joncol swerves Gold Cup

Joncol was probably the highest profile absentee from the 27 entries announced today for the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup, although connections have confirmed he will be among the Ryanair Chase entries published tomorrow.

The John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase winner subsequently appeared to be outstayed when a creditable third behind What A Friend and Money Trix in the Lexus Chase at the Leopardstown Christmas Festival.

The strength in depth of British-trained chasers influenced the decision to sidestep the big one according to trainer Paul Nolan, who told the Racing Post: "We made the decision with the owners and saw no point in putting him in the Gold Cup at this stage, especially with the likes of Kauto Star and Denman around."

"His main aim will be the Hennessy Gold Cup in Leopardstown (February 7) and we'll concentrate on that race. He is in the Ryanair and we'll make our mind up about Cheltenham closer to the time, but we intend concentrating on the home front first."

The recent cold snap has not affected Joncol's training programme since his Leopardstown run. "He seems in great shape and hasn't been put out too much with the frost and snow, and hopefully the weather will improve and we'll start racing again in Ireland," added Nolan.