Punchestowns back on track

Nicky Henderson has reported Punchestowns to be on course for the RSA Chase after last week's injury scare.

The talented novice picked up a foot problem that put his participation in doubt, but the trainer is no longer concerned about the horse's fitness for Wednesday's race.

"We had a scare with Punchestowns last week when he had a bruised foot which held him up for a couple of days, but I don't think has affected us dramatically," said Henderson.

"He's back in good form, he schooled yesterday and he's got one more bit of work to do tomorrow. He's a very high-class horse.

"He's only had two races over fences. I probably would have preferred a third one, but it's been a desperate winter for frost and snow and everything. He comes here in very good form."

Henderson is also set to be represented in the race by exciting French import Long Run, about whom the trainer speaks very highly.

"Long Run is something else. I'd like to think he might be something very special, but we'll find out next week."

However, the Willie Mullins-trained Uimhiraceathair has been ruled out of the race after suffering a setback.

The eight-year-old was due to defend an unbeaten record over fences, having registered successes at Gowran and Navan.

But the County Carlow handler said: "He's lame and he's not going to Cheltenham."