Definitly Red could make an appearance at the Punchestown Festival after being ruled out of next month’s Grand National meeting at Aintree.

Brian Ellison’s stable star was tracking Invitation Only in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last Friday when that rival was fatally injured in a fall at the 10th fence — bringing down Definitly Red.

The 10-year-old required stitches after suffering a cut and while he will not make Aintree as originally hoped, he could run again this season.

“He was going very easily and Danny (Cook) said he was enjoying it much more than last year (when sixth),” said Ellison.

“He was well within his comfort zone and was enjoying the ground.

“It’s disappointing, but at least he came home — unlike the other horse.

“He needed five stitches in his knee and they won’t be coming out until Monday, so he won’t make Aintree.

“We’ll enter him for Punchestown, but if he’s not coming right in time we won’t rush him and we’ll rough him off for the summer, with the Charlie Hall his comeback race next season.”