River Festival Bid In Doubt

Ross River, a faller when sent off the well-backed 5-1 favourite for the Racing Post Plate last season, is unlikely to bid for redemption this time around.

The gelding also holds an alternative Cheltenham Festival engagement in the Coral Cup, but is unlikely to take in that contest either as connections consider other options.

After rising considerably in the weights last year, Ross River was well beaten when reverting to hurdling in the Pierse Hurdle at Leopardstown in January and has enjoyed a break since.

'Ross River is highly unlikely to go but if he is to run in anything at Cheltenham then it'd probably be the Coral Cup,' explained handler Tony Martin.

'I think he needs a bit more time really but hopefully we'll be looking towards Punchestown with him.

'I'd be rushing against time with him and I don't think I'd have him quite fit enough so it's unlikely he'll go to Cheltenham.

'I'd probably need another fortnight with him and he needs another couple of bits of work to be at his best really.

'He went up an awful lot in the weights for winning last year and went for the Mildmay (Racing Post Plate).

'I thought he'd have a great chance there but he's 15lb higher this year than he was last year.'

(C) PA Sport