Punchestown abandon tomorrow's two chases

The two chases scheduled to be run at Punchestown tomorrow have been abandoned.

Following an inspection yesterday by the Inspector of Courses, W A McLernon, and the clerk of the course, Joe Collins, the chase course was found to be unraceable because of frost. The weather forecast is also unfavourable.

Races from the remainder of the programme will be divided to make a seven-race card.

The abandonment of the chases means that Dessie Hughes will have to find another opportunity for the highly regarded Colonel Braxton, who was expected to run in the novice event.

Alexander Banquet, sidelined since early February, will take his first step on the road to Cheltenham in March when he takes up the gauntlet in the Ericsson Chase at Leopardstown on Friday week.

The eight-year-old was last seen in a race when he put a smart performance to run his stable companion Florida Pearl to two lengths in the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Leopardstown.

He subsequently suffered a slight leg problem, but his trainer Willie Mullins said yesterday: "We have given him time and have been patient and he seems in good form at the moment.

"Ruby Walsh schooled him at Punchestown the other day and I was happy with him, though he will probably need the run in the Ericsson." Looking further ahead, Mullins added: "The idea then is to go for the Hennessy (Cognac Gold Cup) again and then to Cheltenham.

"We have just the three races planned for him, he has won around Cheltenham and I think he will get the Gold Cup trip."

Mullins confirmed that Florida Pearl is also in good form and on course for the Pertemps King George VI Chase at Kempton on St Stephen's Day.

He said: "We haven't finalised riding plans for him, but I hope that Paul (Carberry) will be available. We are not sure at this stage who will ride Alexander Banquet either." Florida Pearl will be aiming to go one better than last year when he finished runner-up to Francois Doumen's First Gold.

Sue Magnier has 33 horses, all trained by Aidan O'Brien, among a total of 537 entries which have been received for the 2003 English Derby at the initial yearling entry stage. The Maktoum family have the highest number entered - 137.

Michael Tabor has 31 entered, also all from the yard of O'Brien, and they include a full brother to this year's Derby winner Galileo.

Paddy Power make Anxious Moments and Joe Cullen 12 to 1 joint favourites for the Pierse Hurdle, which will be run at Leopardstown on January 13th.