FRENCH FESTIVAL RAID IS BACK ON TRACK

France`s powerful raid on the Cheltenham Festival was back on track today after the country`s government lifted a ban on the movement of horses.

Agriculture ministers gave the go ahead for the transport under strict controls.

Horses will be allowed to travel across European Union borders as long as foot and mouth disease guidelines are adhered to.

Francois Doumen quickly made arrangements to send his horses across the Channel for next week`s meeting.

The Chantilly-based trainer`s runners include the leading Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup contender First Gold.

'I`m taking four horses including First Gold and Baracouda _ and it looks like I won`t have too much difficulty as I`ve been cleared by the vet of France Galop,' he told RTE`s News At One programme.

'I`m desperate to go as I adore the Festival. I intend to travel via Calais.'

France Galop`s chief veterinary officer Roland Devolz, said: 'At the moment our horses are allowed to travel as long as they go by the protocol required.

'The rumour that horses are not allowed across EU borders is wrong.

'But I must warn everyone that there is still a possibility that travelling of horses could be suspended.

'If there was an outbreak of foot and mouth disease confirmed in France or something else happened then things could still change.'

Doumen trains First Gold and Baracouda, the favourite for the Royal & SunAlliance Novices` Hurdle, for leading Irish owner JP McManus.

McManus, renowned as a big gambler, reportedly shelled out six-figure sums to acquire the two horses earlier in the season.

The scourge of Cheltenham bookmakers has already announced that he plans to miss the meeting this year.

His horse Istabraq has lost the chance to bid for a historic fourth victory in the Smurfit Champion Hurdle because of the Irish travel ban on horses.

Doumen said: 'I`m under no pressure from JP about Cheltenham which I`m, of course, grateful for.

'But my horses are in good form and I want to be there. I hope I have a big chance with them.'

Doumen`s compatriot Guillaume Macaire, a less familiar figure in this country, is planning to run the hot favourite Jair Du Cochet in the Elite Racing Club Triumph Hurdle.