Promising Captain Having A Break

Captain Cee Bee is set for a mid-season break after he was denied the chance to test his credentials against the best in the Royal Bond Hurdle at Fairyhouse.

Edward Harty's six-year-old had created a favourable impression in winning his first two starts over hurdles this season and was all set for his acid test in the Grade One event.

However, the ground turned heavy late in the day and Harty said: 'He's off now and we'll bring him back in the spring.

'We'll give him a break and aim him back towards something in February with a view to Cheltenham then, that's the plan at the moment.

'There was no point in tearing the heart out of him at this stage in the season.

'I haven't got a particular race in mind. The Deloitte Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown (February 10) is possible, but if it comes up bottomless he won't go there.

'There is a chance that he could go to England before Cheltenham, but it would depend on the ground and we'll reassess then. All plans are up in the air at the moment.

'Unfortunately the ground changed very quickly the day of the Royal Bond, which it can do at this time of year.

'We would of learned a lot, but there was no point in running him and it telling us the wrong thing.'

(C) PA Sport