Galopin Des Champs may miss his deliberate reappearance within the John Durkan Memorial at Punchestown subsequent month after struggling a minor setback.
The twin Cheltenham Gold Cup winner has completed third within the final two editions of the two-and-a-half-mile Grade One and coach Willie Mullins had hoped to observe a tried-and-tested route this season.
However chatting with Sporting Life on Wednesday afternoon, the British and Irish champion coach stated: “Unfortunately I’ve had a little hold-up with him for the last couple of weeks.
“If I can get him to the John Durkan I’ll however I am undecided I will be capable to get him there. He is simply had that little hold-up and would want to hit every little thing proper to make it.
“I am not going to press him arduous to get him there and one much less run this time will not be any hurt to him if it seems that manner however after that I would wish to maintain to his schedule.
“I do know he is 9 going 10, however I believe that is nonetheless that is younger sufficient. One thing like Leopardstown at Christmas can be a place to begin if he missed Punchestown or we may flip round and go all the way down to Tramore [on New Year’s Day] There are alternatives for him.
“He seems fine now, but I did miss a few days with him. If Punchestown happens, it happens.”