Cheltenham Still On River Agenda

Cloone River could still make the field for the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham after a scan showed his back injury is not as serious as first feared.

The gelding underwent a scan on Tuesday afternoon and trainer Nolan is now far more upbeat about his charge still competing at a Festival event in the spring, either at Cheltenham or Punchestown.

'We´ve had the scan and it´s pretty good news,' said Nolan.

'He has a slight muscle strain in his back but its nothing too serious and we are still hopeful that he can get to Cheltenham, if not there then either Punchestown or Fairyhouse.

'We definitely won´t have time to get a run into him before March but at least we´ve got something to aim for.'

(C) PA Sport