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Sackville team upbeat after defeat

Leading Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup hope Sackville is set to have his next race in 'early November' as the gelding continues his preparation for chasing`s blue riband event.

Frances Crowley`s charge, who won eight in a races in a row as a novice, returned to action at Punchestown on Thursday after a 166-day lay-off but finished a well-beaten third behind Zayta and Grimes in the two-mile Dunstown Wood Chase.

Lack of fitness and an inadequate trip were put forward as reasons for Sackville failing to shine but Miss Crowley was far from disheartened.

She said: 'It wasn`t a bad run. We studied the video and we weren`t too unhappy when we saw the video.

'He ate up all his food last night and he`s in great form.

'I think he will be even better this season.'

There are no immediate big-race plans for the eight-year-old, who is a 12-1 chance with the sponsors for the Cheltenham showpiece.

'We are considering options at the moment,' Miss Crowley added. 'I think the earliest we`ll run him will be early November.'