Noland nearing a comeback Noland is being nurtured towards making an extraordinary comeback in the William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton. The three-time Grade One winner has been off the track since suffering a recurrence of a leg problem after winning the John Durkan Chase at Punchestown in December 2008. Although a possible return in the December Gold Cup at Cheltenham in just over two weeks' time has been shelved, owner John Hales has his sights fixed on a far loftier prize on St Stephen's Day. Hales said: "He has had a bit of a setback in training - he was cast in his box and did a bit of damage to his back - but we're still seriously looking at the King George. "He will probably miss a first-race warm-up, but he's got the class to run well at Kempton." Paul Nicholls' nine-year-old enjoyed a distinguished career before a serious leg injury intervened for a second time two years ago. A winner of nine of his 13 races, including the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at the 2006 Cheltenham Festival, Noland has yet to be tested over farther than two and a half miles. Hales is, however, unfazed by the prospect of his esteemed chaser tackling three miles in the King George. He added: "We've got to nurse him a little bit, but he's bred for the job and should get the trip. Paul's had him back in training this week and he may only have the King George as a target as time is running out."
