Mossey Joe given break Declan McNamara remains optimistic Mossey Joe can play at the top table in Irish novice chases despite suffering his first defeat over fences at Down Royal last month. The eight-year-old ran with credit more than once in Graded company over hurdles and won as he liked in chases at Killarney and Cork in May. Switched to handicap company off a mark of 151 at Down Royal, all appeared to be going well until Mossey Joe sprawled on landing after jumping three out and ended up passing the post in fifth. McNamara will now give his charge a well-earned break before bringing him back when the next National Hunt season get under way proper, but the rules mean he will not be able to compete in novice races in England beyond the end of October. "He came out of the race fine but we've decided to give him a bit of a break now. He'll be back in the autumn all going well," said McNamara. "Barry (Geraghty) felt he would have won but for the mistake three out, but that's racing. "We have the Drinmore Novice Chase at Fairyhouse as a possible early-season target. He'll be a novice in Ireland for next season but not in England. "It was a shame he was beaten other day but these things happen. We hope he remains a nice prospect for next season."
