RECURRING themes emerged on Wednesday as the industry responded to the latest changes to the whip rules, with “common-sense at last being applied” an opinion prevalent among jockeys, while trainers raged at the mess the sport has found itself in.

The BHA announcedon Tuesday that when a jockey over jumps hits his or her mount nine times (one over the limit) and a rider on the Flat uses the whip eight times (again, one over the maximum) it will, in future, trigger a review of the ride by stewards rather than an automatic ban.

Andrew Thornton: more discussion

  PICTURE: Martin Lynch  

A radical revision of the penalty structure has also been made, with repeat offences at the lower andupper levels not in future resulting in the penalty multipliying.

Gold Cup-winning rider Andrew Thornton said: “Paul [Struthers, PJA chief executive] had a meeting with half a dozen of us about ten days ago, and we’ve all been kept informed throughout the whole process. Those who were at the meeting have made sure all the other riders were informed, too.

“There was much more of a discussion this time. It wasn’t done behind closed doors. We’ve all appreciated that. Kevin [Darley, former PJA chief executive] was a big help in getting everything set up and Paul has taken it forward.

“From our point of view it has been proved a number [maximum times a jockey can hit a horse] doesn’t work. In the heat of a finish you are entirely focused on winning the race.

Timmy Murphy: quite positive

  PICTURE: Edward Whitaker  

“Thankfully, common sense has prevailed, and it has been resolved now. It was made out to be a welfare issue, but it never was.”

Timmy Murphy said of the changes: “They’re quite positive. All we want is someone to work with us, we don’t expect the whole thing to change and go back to where we were before. Penalties were the big problem as we were not [breaking the rules]on purpose.

“If someone blatantly breaks the rules then they deserve to get suspended, but if it is a minor little thing like just getting a horse running then it should be looked at differently.”

John Gosden, Sir Mark Prescott and Ferdy Murphy were among trainers to express a view on the changes and Prescott said: “The new rules will result in a self-appointed number [of times a horse can be hit] being fragrantly exceeded time and time again, particularly in the bigger, higher-profile events.

“This will further inflame the ‘antis’ – the very people who the rule was designed to placate!”

Professional punter Ken Pitterson, speaking at Kempton on Wednesday night, said: “I think it is a step in the right direction but I still think there is going to be problems with how the stewards interpret the rules. I don’t think you can have a fixed number.”

Don’t miss Thursday’s Racing Post newspaper for more fallout over the latest changes to the whip rules, plus opinion from editor Bruce Millington

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Eagle Mountain: won the Hong Kong Cup at Sha Tin in December 2008

  PICTURE: Hong Kong Jockey Club  

New Zealand: The much-travelled Eagle Mountain, placed in both the English and Irish Derbies for Aidan O’Brien in 2007, is set to resurrect his racing career at the age of eight – in New Zealand.

After being purchased by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa and sent to Mike de Kock, the son of Rock Of Gibraltar won the Hong Kong Cup at Sha Tin in December 2008, a month after finishing second to Conduit in the Breeders’ Cup Turf.

Eagle Mountain was retored to stud in New Zealand but has been put back into training with Stephen McKee owing to fertility issues.

He is set to make his debut for his new trainer after a 2½-year absence in the Group 1 Haunui Farm Otaki-Maori WFA Classic over 1m, where he will be ridden by Leith Innes.

Eagle Mountain spent two years at stud at Brighthill Farm before his connections withdrew him from stud duty.

He had a trial at Ellerslie earlier this month ready for Saturday’s race. “He’s come through the trial really well and had a bit of a scream, which was understandable after being away from the races for so long,” McKee said, speaking to theinformant.co.nz.

“He was such a good racehorse as a colt that I didn’t want to geld him. There’s a lack of races for him here and as long as he shows he’s still got form we’ll definitely look at Australia in the autumn.”

Don’t miss an exciting interview with our top tipster Tom ‘Pricewise’ Segal as he reveals his golden rules of betting – only in Saturday’s Racing Post newspaper

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Reg Hollinshead: picked up €7,500 prize with Path Finder on Wednesday

  PICTURE: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)  

Report: France, Wednesday

Cagnes-sur-Mer

REG HOLLINSHEAD struck for the first time this winter at Cagnes as Path Finder (Francois-Xavier Bertras) showed great resolution to land the 1m2f claimer.

Bertras sat on the shoulder of pacesetter Saroso before sending Path Finder to the front turning into the straight.

At the furlong pole the three-year-old looked sure to be swamped, but at the line was still half a length to the good of his nearest pursuer King Of Song.

The veteran trainer has been represented by three runners on the Riviera since Christmas, with Path Finder earning €7,500 on Wednesday after three previous unplaced efforts.

Ex-Hollinshead charge Dylans Verse, who was claimed last month after finishing third for the trainer on his first appearance at Cagnes, won for his new connections at the course on Monday.

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Grandouet: surgery went well to flush fluid from an infection in his leg

  PICTURE: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)  

GRANDOUET was “walking comfortably” on Wednesday following minor surgery to drain fluid from his near hind fetlock joint, but his appearance in the Stan James Champion Hurdle remains in doubt.

Trainer Nicky Henderson told racingpost.com that a decision on whether he will be run at the Cheltenham Festival is likely to be made by the weekend.

Henderson added: “The surgery went well to flush fluid from the infection, which is within the joint itself. With that tension released the horse is walking comfortably.

“However, to have a realistic chance of making the Champion Hurdle he needs to be back in action by the weekend because he has missed a coupleof days. We’ll give him every chance to get there, but if he can’t he can’t.”

Grandouet is as short as 6-1 third-favourite for the Champion Hurdle.

Don’t miss out on the definitive preview of the 2012 Cheltenham Festival including a race-by-race guide, Pricewise, in-depth assessments of the main contenders, key trends for the main races plus lots more. Order your guide now at racingpost.com/shop

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Royal Academy wins the famous running of the Breeders’ Cup Mile in 1990

  PICTURE: Racing Post 

ROYAL ACADEMY, famed for winning the 1990 Breeders’ Cup Mile under an inspired ride from Lester Piggott, has died aged 25.

The son of Nijinsky, who was trained by the great Vincent O’Brien, died of old age at Coolmore Australia.

“It’s very sad,” said Tom Magnier, who oversees the Coolmore Australia operation. “Royal Academy has been a tremendous servant to Coolmore, wherever he’s been based. He spent the
last five years of his life here, the last two years in retirement.

“Particular credit must go to our head stallion man Gerry Ryan, who looked after him with great care and attention. He has been wonderfully prolific, siring more than 160 Stakes winners and his progeny earnings are the equivalent of more than US$120,000,000.”

“He sired major winners over a wide range of distances, at all ages. I suspect, though, that his greatest legacy is the speed he passed on to the best of his Australian descendants – the brilliant Black Caviar is by one of his sons while champion sire-elect Fastnet Rock is out of one of his daughters.”

Royal Academy topped the 1988 Keeneland July Selected Yearling Sales when knocked down to O’Brien for $3.5 million. He was inevitably an attractive proposition being by Nijinsky and out of  Storm Cat’s grandam Crimson Saint.

Royal Academy, who ran for Classic Thoroughbreds Plc, won four races. Although Nijinsky’s progeny were best-known  for their stamina Royal Academy had the speed to win the six-furlong July Cup as a three-year-old. He then finished second to Dayjur in the Ladbrokes Sprint Cup before ending his career on a high when coming with a late charge up the Belmont Park straight to win the Breeders’ Cup Mile.

The dual Group 1 winner started his stallion career at Coolmore in Ireland at a fee of 30,000gns in 1991. His first-crop yielded four Group 1 winners, including the Irish St Leger winner Oscar Schindle. All  of his first five Irish Crops resulted in atleast one Group 1 winner, thanks to Ali-Royal  (Sussex Stakes), Carmine Lake (Prix de l’Abbaye), Sleepytime (1,000 Guineas), Zalaiyka (French 1,000 Guineas), Val Royal (Breeders’ Cup Mile) and Lavery (Phoenix Stakes).

Royal Academy also stood at Coomore’s American base, producing multiple Grade 1 winner Bullish Luck. His Group 1 winners in Australia included Bel Esprit, sire of tBlack Caviar, Serious Speed and Kenwood Melody.

In 2007, his son Val Royal sired the dual 2,000 Guineas hero Cockney Rebel and he also established himself as a leading broodmare sire thanks to dual Guineas heroine Finsceal Beo. Dabirsim, last year’s European champion two-year-old, is out of Rumored – another daughter of Royal Academy.

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Nicky Mackay‘s ride on Stars In Your Eyes (left) led to a ten-day whip ban

  PICTURE: attheraces.com  

NICKY MACKAY on Wednesday withdrew his appeal against last week’s controversial decision of the Wolverhampton stewards to ban him for ten days for excessive use of the whip.

Nicky Mackay: ban reduced to four days following amendments by BHA

  PICTURE: Martin Lynch  

Mackay’s change of heart on the eve of Thursday’s scheduled hearing followed the latest amendments to the whip rules announced by the BHA on Tuesday, which reduced his suspension to four days.

At Dunstall Park on February 13, Mackay received a five-day ban for hitting Stars In Your Eyes nine times – another hit was discounted by the stewards – exceeding his quota of seven strikes by two, but the penalty was doubled as it was his second offence within 12 months.

The rider claimed some of the strikes in the home straight should have been discounted as he was trying to prevent the four-year-old from hitting the rails, and trainer John Gosden branded the decision as “bordering on theabsurd”.

Following this week’s changes to the penalty structure, Mackay’s now merits a four-day suspension and the multiplying element has been dropped.

Mackay, who has had his £500 deposit return bythe BHA, said: “Given that the penalty I was issued by the Wolverhampton stewards has been amended from ten days to four, and having spoken to (solicitor) Rory Mac Neice and John Gosden, I have decided not to go ahead with tomorrow’s appeal.

“I still believe that I was harshly done by, and I didn’t do anything wrong, but given the change to the penalty, I feel my chances of success have probably been reduced.

“Hopefully, the sensible changes announced by the BHA will mean another jockey doesn’t find himself in the same position I did.”

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Mahmood Al Zarooni: out to maintain perfect record

  PICTURE: Edward Whitaker  

Preview: UAE, Thursday 4.20pm GMT (live on ATR/RUK)

Meydan: UAE Oaks (Group 3) 1m1½f Tapeta, 3yo fillies

HAVING already saddled the winners of the UAE 1,000 and 2,000 Guineas, Godolphin’s Mahmood Al Zarooni looks to have the ideal opportunity to protect his 100 per cent strike-rate in this year’s UAE Classics when running both Pimpernel and Falls Of Lora in the Oaks.

Frankie Dettori rides Pimpernel, who will be having her second start in the country having chased home Gamilati and Dettori in the UAE 1,000 Guineas. With Gamilati being aimed at Newmarket this looks the ideal chance for Pimpernel to win her first Group race having chased home the impressive Wading in last year’s Rockfel Stakes before winning the Listed Radley Stakes at Newbury.

Falls Of Lora, to be ridden by Mickael Barzalona, won twice last year but she has not been since finishing last of five in the Group 1 Prix Marcel Boussac at Longchamp in early October.

Al Zarooni said: “They are both nice fillies but Pimpernel has the
advantage of a run and showing that she handles Tapeta. Itwas a good run behind Gamilati and with that filly to be aimed at Newmarket, Pimpernel will be ridden by Frankie Dettori.

“She has worked nicely since the Guineas, while Falls Of Lora has been going well also, but is certain to come on for the run.”

Of the six declared, Falls Of Lora is the only one not to have run in the UAE 1,000 Guineas, with the third Alsindi again looking the main danger.

Winner of the Group 3 Oh So Sharp Stakes for Clive Brittain last year, she was runner-up to Gamilati in the UAE 1,000 Guineas trial before chasing home the Godolphin filly and Pimpernel in the Classic.

Prohibit, winner of last year’s Group 1 King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot when providing his trainer Robert Cowell with a first winner at the highest level, makes his return in a 5f turf handicap under Jim Crowley.

A course and distance winner last year, he is joined by stable
companion Monsieur Joe, who won a similar handicap three weeks ago under William Buick, who maintains the partnership.

Cowell said: “Prohibit did a nice piece of work the other day and is in good form. We know conditions suit him and there should be plenty of pace, which will suit him, but his big target is World Cup night so there should be improvement to come.

“Monsieur Joe ran well here for Walter Swinburn last year and was a nice new addition. I was delighted to win here with him for the owners. He should run well again but it looks a hot race.”

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Silvestre de Sousa: “It’s too big an opportunity for me to miss”  

  PICTURE: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)  

SILVESTRE DE SOUSA’S standing among the leading rank of Britain’s jockeys was confirmed on Tuesday evening when his services were secured by Sheikh Mohammed’s Godolphin operation.

The appointment opens an exciting new chapter in the career of De Sousa, 31, who has enjoyed phenomenal success since riding his first British winner six years ago.

He was the punters’ choice to succeed Richard Hills as first jockey to Hamdan Al Maktoum, but he revealed Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford had already presented him with a firm job offer a fortnight ago.

However, rather than immediately sign on the dotted line, De Sousa, who lives in Yorkshire and feels a strong loyalty to trainers in the county who have provided the backbone of his support in the climb to the top, asked for time to consider and reached his decision only on Tuesday.

“Simon offered me the job a couple of weeks ago and I had a few doubts in my mind, but I got up this morning and decided to accept it,” said De Sousa, currently enjoying his first winter stay in Dubai where, following an invitation from Crisford, he has ridden nine winners since arriving last month.

He added: “It’s too big an opportunity for me to miss and I’m delighted to have been given the job.”

Crisford said: “We have a formal arrangement in place for Silvestre de Sousa to ride for Godolphin this coming Flat season and he’ll ride for both our trainers, Saeed Bin Suroor and Mahmood Al Zarooni.”

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Diamond Harry: 2010 Hennessy winner was diagnosed with a loose palate

  PICTURE: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)  

CONNECTIONS of Diamond Harry, a general 33-1 chance for next month Cheltenham Gold Cup, are hoping a recent wind operation can see the nine-year-old bounce back to form when he takes on Kauto Star and Long Run on March 16.

After being soundly beaten in two runs this season, the Nick Williams-trained chaser was diagnosed with a loose palate and under went surgery to correct the problem on February 1.

According to owner Paul Duffy, the operation was a success and the plan remains to run in the Gold Cup. Quoted on Diamond Harry‘s official Facebook page, Duffy said: “The operation went okay and he’s recovered well. It was just a minor wind op on his soft palette.

“He’s back doing a bit of walking. I know he’s had his preparation interrupted but he wouldn’t have been doing that much at this stage. Obviously we won’t know for sure if it’s worked but we’re going to have a go at the Gold Cup.”

Duffy hopes Noel Fehily, who reported that Diamond Harry was having difficulty breathing when fifth behind Midnight Chase in the Argento Chase at Cheltenham, will renew his association with the horse in the Gold Cup. 

Cheltenham Festival Pricewise is back! Every Tuesday Tom Segal, who found winners at 25-1 and 16-1 last year, unearths the ante-post value in the big races

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Sepoy: will be racing for the first time since his win on October 29

  PICTURE: Getty Images  

Australia: Sepoy’s amazing improvement in the last two weeks has convinced trainer Peter Snowden to attempt a weight-carrying record with the Dubai-bound three-year-old in the Oakleigh Plate.

Snowden said the colt, who has been defeated just once in 11 starts, was leaner than ever before for a first-up run in Saturday’s 1100-metre helter-skelter sprint with 58kg on his back.

Sepoy has a kilo more than last year’s winner Eagle Falls and will be giving as much as six kilos to eight of the other 16 runners.

Snowden said the weight difference between Sepoy and the older horses had been a concern but in the end the star colt was primed to run.

“He has improved so much in a fortnight I can’t believe it,” Snowden told Radio Sport National.

“Normally he is round and burly first-up but to me he looks like he’s had a run and tightened up really nicely.”

Snowden said a Flemington jumpout two weeks ago and subsequent trackwork had brought on Sepoy more than he could have imagined.

“He looks in great order and I’m very happy with the way he’s been working,” Snowden said.

“To my eye the way the horse looks like he needs to run.

“The work he did on Tuesday morning really topped him off and I feel he is going to run very well on Saturday.”

Sepoy would be the highest-weighted three-year-old to win the Oakleigh Plate, eclipsing the 57kg record set by Fastnet Rock in 2005.

Doubts about him setting a new weight mark surfaced when Sepoy eased from $2 to $2.30 following strong support for the Jason Warren-trained Bel Sprinter who was backed in from $4.40 to $3.20.

The winner of five of his six starts, Bel Sprinter has 54kg in the Oakleigh Plate and is the only other horse in the market under double-figure odds.

Early punters also jumped on board the Peter Moody-trained Curtana who has firmed from $31 to the fourth line of betting at $18.

Facile Tigre, First Command and African Pulse are $15.

Kerrin McEvoy will ride Sepoy, who is resuming after an unbeaten spring campaign with his last of five wins coming in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes over 1200m at Flemington on October 29.

McEvoy will also ride Sepoy when he runs in the $2 million Golden Shaheen in Dubai on March 31.

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Silvestre de Sousa: “It’s too big an opportunity for me to miss”  

  PICTURE: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)  

SILVESTRE DE SOUSA’S standing among the leading rank of Britain’s jockeys was confirmed on Tuesday evening when his services were secured by Sheikh Mohammed’s Godolphin operation.

The appointment opens an exciting new chapter in the career of De Sousa, 31, who has enjoyed phenomenal success since riding his first British winner six years ago.

He was the punters’ choice to succeed Richard Hills as first jockey to Hamdan Al Maktoum, but he revealed Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford had already presented him with a firm job offer a fortnight ago.

However, rather than immediately sign on the dotted line, De Sousa, who lives in Yorkshire and feels a strong loyalty to trainers in the county who have provided the backbone of his support in the climb to the top, asked for time to consider and reached his decision only on Tuesday.

“Simon offered me the job a couple of weeks ago and I had a few doubts in my mind, but I got up this morning and decided to accept it,” said De Sousa, currently enjoying his first winter stay in Dubai where, following an invitation from Crisford, he has ridden nine winners since arriving last month.

He added: “It’s too big an opportunity for me to miss and I’m delighted to have been given the job.”

Crisford said: “We have a formal arrangement in place for Silvestre de Sousa to ride for Godolphin this coming Flat season and he’ll ride for both our trainers, Saeed Bin Suroor and Mahmood Al Zarooni.”

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Industry

Cheltenham plans to put 6-7mm of water on the course before Friday

  PICTURE: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)  

THE drought across the south of England will not affect Cheltenham’s preparations for the festival in three weeks’ time as its private reservoir is full.

That is the view of clerk of the course Simon Claisse, who on Tuesday detailed plans to put 6-7mm of water on the course before Friday.

Claisse said: “The next seven days are forecast to be predominantly dry, with temperatures of 15-16C by the end of the week. If we didn’t water, it’d be good to firm by Sunday in my view. Even with this level of watering I expect the ground will be good, good to firm in patches.”

The track has been largely frozen since Trials day on January 28 until a week ago, but the racecourse is now using its on-site reservoir. Claisse added: “We had 40mm of rain in February last year and this year it has been 2-3mm.”

A full reservoir gives Cheltenham the ability to put down about three inches of water (75mm) in the next three weeks. Claisse again confirmed he would be looking to produce good to soft ground to start the four-day festival on March 13.

Don’t miss out on the definitive preview of the 2012 Cheltenham Festival including a race-by-race guide, Pricewise, in-depth assessments of the main contenders, key trends for the main races plus lots more. Order your guide now at racingpost.com/shop

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Over four months have passed since the introduction of the whip rules

  PICTURE: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)  

THE BHA sprang a major surprise on Tuesday when announcing fundamental changes to the controversial whip rules, together with revisions to the existing penalties.

The move, which was welcomed by the Professional Jockeys’ Association, follows an initiative instigated by new BHA chief executive Paul Bittar who is determined to avoid the issue dominating headlines at the Cheltenham Festival, which gets underway in less than three weeks.

At an earlier board meeting the directors went further than expected when approving a proposal in which the fixed number of times use of the whip is permitted is replaced by an emphasis on reviewing the manner in which the stick is used, as well as taking account of frequency. The new rule will be ready for implementation early next month.

Bittar said: “Over four months have passed since the introduction of the first set of whip rules following the Whip review.

“Despite a number of changes to both the rule and the accompanying penalty structure, it is clear that while many objectives of the Review are being met, and in particular those pertaining to horse welfare, a rule which polices the use of the whip based solely on a fixed number of strikes is fundamentally flawed.

“While well-intentioned, and in accordance with initial requests from jockeys for clarity and consistency via a fixed number, in practice the new rules have repeatedly thrown up examples of no consideration being given to the manner in which the whip is used as well as riders being awarded disproportionate penalties for the offencecommitted.”

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Grandouet (green silks) is a top-priced 9-1 for the Champion Hurdle

  PICTURE: Martin Lynch  

GRANDOUET will undergo investigative surgery in Newbury on Tuesday night for a problem with his near-hind leg that prevented him from running at Wincanton last weekend.

Trainer Nicky Henderson told racingpost.com that he is “guarded” over Grandouet’s chance of running in the Stan James Champion Hurdle, for which he is a top-priced 9-1.

Henderson said: “The plan is to flush the joint tonight and that should give us a clearer idea of the full extent of the injury. We’ll know a lot more in the morning about whether he’ll be able to run at Cheltenham. I’ll keep everyone informed.”

Don’t miss out on the definitive preview of the 2012 Cheltenham Festival including a race-by-race guide, Pricewise, in-depth assessments of the main contenders, key trends for the main races plus lots more. Order your guide now at racingpost.com/shop

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Black Caviar could have one more run in Australia before a trip to Britain

  PICTURE: Getty Images  

BLACK CAVIAR will bypass Saturday’s Futurity Stakes and a trip to Dubai so trainer Peter Moody can have the mare spot-on for the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot.

He said: “Black Caviar won’t be chasing her record 20th consecutive win in Saturday’s Futurity Stakes at Caulfield, or next month’s Newmarket Handicap, or, for that matter, in Dubai – or anywhere else for the next two months.

“It’s all geared around having her at her peak when she flies across to England for the Diamond Jubilee Stakes. That’s the Royal Ascot race the owners have had their sights on for some time and everything is being tailored like a Savile Row suit to have her cherry-ripe for that race on June 23.”

“I can’t wait – I reckon Black Caviar will show them a thing or two,” Moody told www.heraldsun.com.au.

More to follow . . .

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Eric’s Charm: a three-time winner at Sandown

  PICTURE: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)  

POPULAR chaser Eric’s Charm, a three-time winner at Sandown including the London National in 2009, will be recognised  by the track on Friday with the first running of the Eric’s Charm Handicap Chase.

Trained by Oliver Sherwood, Eric’s Charm was fatally injured in a veterans’ chase at Newbury last March having won at Sandown the month before.

In a career spanning 42 starts with 12 victories and nearly £200,000 in prize-money, Eric’s Charm had ten starts at the Esher venue, finishing in the first three eight times.

Sherwood said: “It is an honour to have a race named after Eric’s Charm. He was a very special horse and loved Sandown -  he was as tough a horse as I have trained.”

Andrew Cooper, director of racing at Sandown,  added: “Eric’s Charm became a real favourite with our racegoers and clearly excelled here – it is a pleasure to name a race after him.”

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Black Caviar could have one more run in Australia before a trip to Britain

  PICTURE: Getty Images  

BLACK CAVIAR will bypass Saturday’s Futurity Stakes and a trip to Dubai so trainer Peter Moody can have the mare spot-on for the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot.

He said: “Black Caviar won’t be chasing her record 20th consecutive win in Saturday’s Futurity Stakes at Caulfield, or next month’s Newmarket Handicap, or, for that matter, in Dubai – or anywhere else for the next two months.

“It’s all geared around having her at her peak when she flies across to England for the Diamond Jubilee Stakes. That’s the Royal Ascot race the owners have had their sights on for some time and everything is being tailored like a Savile Row suit to have her cherry-ripe for that race on June 23.”

“I can’t wait – I reckon Black Caviar will show them a thing or two,” Moody told www.heraldsun.com.au.

More to follow . . .

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Junior: could face Kauto Star and Long Run at Cheltenham next month

  PICTURE: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)  

JUNIOR could use the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup as his prep race for the John Smith’s Grand National with trainer David Pipe hoping the ante-post favourite can follow in the hoofprints of Miinnehoma, who won the National for his father in 1994.

After finishing eighth over hurdleson his seasonal return at Newbury last week, Junior, who is as short as 12-1 for the Aintree showpiece, could next be seen at Cheltenham with his other options the JLT Speciality Handicap Chase on the first day of the festival, and the Grimthorpe Chase at Doncaster.

Pipe, who won the Grand National in 2008 with Comply Or Die, said: “Obviously the Gold Cup has been a good prep race for Grand National horses and this year there’s another week between the two festivals.

“He stays all day and you have to stay well with the way the Gold Cup is run. Miinnehoma ran well in the Gold Cup before he won his National, Junior loves Cheltenham and will be a better horse on better ground.”

Speaking at his media day, Pipe said he has still not made a decision on whether Grands Crus will contest the RSA Chase, for which he is the general 7-4 favourite, or the Gold Cup, for which he can be backed at 10-1.

Consultations will take place between the trainer and owners Roger Stanley and Yvonne Reynolds as well. Input will also besought from David’s father Martin, and Gerry Supple, who rides the seven-year-old every day.

Explaining what will influence the decision, Pipe said: “There are two questions we need to answer. Can he travel at the pace of a Gold Cup – and I would say yes – and can he jump at the pace of a Gold Cup, that is the only issue.

“He’s been good in his novice chases and I was impressed with the way he won and jumped at Kempton.” 

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