Simonsig to return at Aintree Simonsig is set to make his eagerly awaited return after 970 days on the sidelines in the Betfred Hurdle at Aintree on Saturday. Trainer Nicky Henderson has named the 2013 Arkle Trophy victor a "definite runner" in the two-and-a-half-mile contest on Merseyside. The nine-year-old has been out with a series of niggly issues since his victory in the two-mile novice chase championship at the Cheltenham Festival 31 months ago. Because of the length of Simonsig's absence, Henderson is choosing to start the grey off over the smaller obstacles before putting him back over fences. The Seven Barrows handler has also given entries to Triumph Hurdle runner-up Top Notch and Bobs Worth, the 2013 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner. "Simonsig will run in the two-and-a-half-mile condition hurdle at Aintree on Saturday," Henderson told At the Races. "That is the plan. We did have him in the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter, but I just think a run over hurdles will do him good. "I think if the ground is on the easy side Top Notch could run as well and I've even got Bobs Worth in the race as well. "Simonsig is a definite runner at the moment." John Ferguson is triple-handed with Purple Bay, Commissioned and Sea Lord after 11 entries were received for a race that was reopened. Paul Nicholls has put in Irving, who was never quite the same last term after he won the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle. Jeremy Scott's Melodic Rendezvous could revert to the smaller obstacles after going chasing last season. Karinga Dancer, Royal Boy and Rons Dream make up the 11 possibles. Irving, Melodic Rendezvous and Karinga Dancer all have entries in the stanjames.com Elite Hurdle at Wincanton the same day.
