Threat of fast going a worry for Roche

RACING/CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL NEWS ROUND UP: Like-a-Butterfly eased slightly in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle market yesterday amid mounting worries about the ground.

Good weather in recent days in the Cheltenham area has resulted in the going drying out considerably and trainer Christy Roche conceded yesterday it will be a worry if the ground continues to get better.

"If the ground gets fast, that will be a concern. I don't see good ground as a problem but what is called good in England is often better than ours," he said.

However, Roche is taking heart from the weekend weather forecast."There is rain expected and if it gets to Cheltenham we should be all right. That's what the track is reporting anyway," he said.

Powers eased Like-A-Butterfly to 15 to 8 favourite for the festival opener, and the unbeaten mare will head a powerful team from the Roche yard that will also include Bannow Bay in the Stayers' Hurdle.

One team that has been diminished, however, is Edward O'Grady's. Yesterday the trainer reported that the bumper duo of Kickham and Inca Trail as well as the National Hunt Chase hopeful, Takagi, will not be travelling. He did, however, book Jamie Spencer for one his other Bumper hopes, Pizarro.

His Champion Hurdle hopeful, Ned Kelly, will have a final workout before the festival tomorrow and is still one of the 19 possibles who could take on Istabraq on Tuesday.

"We are checking the horses on a daily basis," confirmed O'Grady, who has been the focus of media attention due to some runny noses in his yard in recent weeks.

A total of 20 entries were left in the Champion Hurdle at yesterday's forfeit stage, headed by the favourite, Istabraq. "He is in good order and the hard work is done," confirmed Aidan O'Brien.

Other festival news yesterday centred on the likely booking of Paul Carberry for the Gold Cup hopeful, Marlborough.

Mick Fitzgerald's choice of Bacchanal in the big race looks to allow the season's leading rider in Ireland free for the coveted ride on the Nicky Henderson second string.

Ruby Walsh had been the apparent first choice for Marlborough but he is committed to his father's charge Commanche Court in the Gold Cup.

Barry Simpson, racing manager to owner Robert Ogden, said yesterday: "Paul Carberry is free so it looks as though he will get the ride. He schooled the horse at Nicky's and we were thrilled with what he did." Carberry previously rode for three years in Britain as retained rider to Ogden.