Cross Injury Concerns Halford

Plans remain fluid for last season's World Hurdle runner-up Golden Cross as Michael Halford's seven-year-old remains on the easy list.

Having lifted the Boyne Hurdle at Navan in February, Golden Cross was sent off the 5-1 third favourite for the staying championship at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

Despite rallying gamely after he was carried right by My Way De Solzen, Halford's charge failed by a rapidly-diminishing head to overhaul the winner.

Unfortunately, the gelding has since sustained an injury.

And while connections hope he will return to action at some stage, they are not overly confident.

'There's still no decision been made on him and we'll make a decision after Christmas,' Halford told At The Races.

'It's going to be tough to get him back I think, but we'll be keeping our fingers crossed and there's a little bit of hope there.

'There would be more hope than confidence there now though.'

(C) PA Sport