Alainn On The Comeback Trail

Cailin Alainn is nearing her comeback having missed the first half of the National Hunt season.

Trainer Charles Byrnes has had to be patient with his dual Grade One winner after she developed an infection following a run on the level in October.

The nine-year-old mare landed the Drinmore and the Powers Whiskey Novice Chase last season before tipping up twice at Cheltenham.

'Hopefully she will be out in about five or six weeks,' said Byrnes.

'I haven't entered her for the Gold Cup. I think we will aim her at something at the Punchestown Festival this year and campaign her in the spring.

'Her form keeps getting franked ? she beat the likes of Mossbank and Schindlers Hunt last year but she is not a novice anymore.

'You are never quite sure if mares can come back but I am hopeful she will.

'Something like the Guinness Gold Cup at Punchestown could be a race we will aim at.'

(C) PA Sport