Rebel swerves Festival outing Michael Winters is set to run Rebel Fitz nearer home and bypass the Cheltenham Festival. The County Cork trainer plans to give his Galway Hurdle winner a run at his local track in Mallow later this month before sending him to the Punchestown Festival. In doing so, Winters has all but ruled out a crack at the Stan James Champion Hurdle. Rebel Fitz, who has not run since October, warmed up for a return to action with a racecourse gallop after racing at Thurles on Thursday. He was partnered by champion jockey Davy Russell in a three-quarter speed workout over a mile and three-quarters. Rebel Fitz was accompanied by stablemate Missunited. The mare was ridden by Bryan Cooper. "We were pleased with them. They did a nice piece of work," said Winters. "Rebel Fitz will run in a Grade Two hurdle over two miles at Cork at the end of March. He's a better horse going right-handed. "Rebel Fitz won't be going to Cheltenham unless something changes. He'll run in Mallow and then on to Punchestown. He might a be a fresher horse come then after his break. "Missunited will go for a Grade Three hurdle in Limerick on March 24. "She had her run at Gowran the other day and she's working away since. "
