Hourigan Swerves Hennessy Bank Raid

Clonmel Oil Chase winner Mossbank will bypass the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup on Saturday.

Michael Hourigan's rejuvenated chaser will instead contest the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown on December 28.

Hourigan told the Racing Post: 'The horse is fine but we've decided to give him a bit more time before his next race.'

Compatriot Snowy Morning, as low as 7-1 with Ladbrokes to win the Hennessy, will take his chance at Newbury.

Willie Mullins' said of his Royal & SunAlliance Chase runner-up: 'Snowy Morning is a definite runner but we have no riding arrangements made at this stage.

'He completed his preparation the other day and has been fine since, though it's not ideal going there without a run under his belt ? but that's the way things have worked out.

'I just haven't finally decided about Alexander Taipan yet,' the County Carlow trainer told the Irish Independent.

Nigel Twiston-Davies could be double-handed in the big staying handicap chase with Knowhere and Naunton Brook.

Knowhere is a definite runner for the Naunton handler, having plugged on well to take third place behind L'Antartique in the Paddy Power Gold Cup.

Twiston-Davies, who took this prestigious prize with King's Road in 2000, believes the extra distance will play to Knowhere's strengths.

'He's in great nick and I think the extra distance will make all the difference,' he said.

'He wasn't beaten far in the Paddy Power. He stayed on well and the trip should suit him.'

Twiston-Davies has yet to decide whether to run Naunton Brook in the Hennessy or send him to Newcastle for the WBX.COM Rehearsal Chase on the same afternoon.

'It depends on the ground and one or two other things,' added the trainer.

Knowhere is generally a 16-1 chance for Hennessy glory, with Naunton Brook 33-1.

(C) PA Sport