Concerto to miss Cheltenham

Aran Concerto, second favourite with some bookmakers for the RSA Chase at Cheltenham, is set to miss the Festival showpiece.

Noel Meade's charge made an impressive start to his chasing career at Navan but a setback after that means connections are running out of time to get him ready for the Grade One contest.

"He's just back in work again now. After he won his novice chase, he was supposed to run in the Drinmore Novices Chase at Fairyhouse in early December and he actually damaged the front of his stifle one morning so he had to rest until after Christmas," the trainer said.

"I don't think he'll actually make Cheltenham this season. I think we'll probably concentrate on the home prizes in Fairyhouse and Punchestown and I would hope that he could run in the Powers Gold Cup at Fairyhouse."

Meade was encouraged by his star's chasing debut and hopes he can continue to climb the ladder.

"He was deeply impressive at Navan and is a very good horse but who knows whether he'll get back up to the ability that he had before?

"At Navan he wasn't stretched but he didn't have to beat much. He'll have to do better again but hopefully he will.""