David Bridgwater won't rush The Giant Bolster

David Bridgwater is keen to let the dust settle before deciding on future plans for The Giant Bolster following his heavy fall in Wednesday's Punchestown Gold Cup.

The 10-year-old has been a magnificent servant for connections over the years, finishing second, fourth and third in three consecutive renewals of the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

He has found life tougher this season, however, and was weakening when coming to grief two fences from the finish in Ireland yesterday.

Bridgwater admits he initially feared the worst, but The Giant Bolster eventually rose to his feet and is reported to be none the worse this morning.

"He's fine, thankfully. We got away with that one and it was a bit of a wake-up for the horse, bless him," said the trainer.

"It didn't look good when the screens went up, but he was just winded and Tom (Cannon) sat on his head and just gave him a minute to get his breath back.

"I thought he ran a super race up until then. He jumped as well as I've seen him jump as those fences take some jumping.

"He's just not as good as those young horses. A good young horse will always beat a good older horse and there are a few potential superstars around for next year."

Bridgwater plans to discuss The Giant Bolster's future with his owners over the summer, but is not ruling out retirement.

He said: "We'll just let the dust settle as the horse had a hell of a spill yesterday and he's more than just a racehorse to the owners.

"He'll go out in the field now and we've got all summer to decide what we're going to do with him in the future.

"The Gold Cup looks like being a fantastic race next year. Whether we're involved in it or not is another thing. I would doubt it at this stage.

"He'll be home tonight and he'll be getting plenty of love and attention, trust me."