Trainer John Murphy has positive news regarding his former Champion Chase winner Newmill and his Sheer Genuis, which finished eight in last week's Cheltenham Bumper.

The Co Cork handler on Monday reported "Newmill missed Cheltenham due to a problem in his fetlock which we're treating at present. It is only a small problem but it may have been affecting him a little in recent times.

"He owes us nothing at this stage but returned to near his best with his win at Thurles the last day and he should be back on course for the Punchestown Festival.

Murphy also had news of his Sheer Genuis which belied odds of 100/1 to finish a highly respectable eighth (fourth placed of the Irish runners) in the Cheltenham Bumper last week.

He stated "Sheer Genuis came out of his race perfectly well and is in great form. He is a huge, backward type and I've made no secret of the fact I'm mad about him. I think he could make a pretty serious two mile chaser some day."

He added "Sheer Genius is by Norwich and would probably prefer better ground. His owners wanted a Cheltenham runner and are now keen to sell but I would very much prefer if was sold to stay in my yard.

"Sheer Genius will run next in a bumper at the Punchestown Festival and that will be his last run of the season."