MICHAEL HOURIGAN'S with Anne, has repeated the trainer's warning that stable star Dorans Pride will not contest the Tote Gold Cup if the ground on Cheltenham's new course is firm next Thursday.

Honrigan ended weeks of speculation on Thursday by declaring the eight-year-old novice an intended runner in the Festival showpiece, unless the race is run on fast ground.

Mrs Hourigan echoed this yesterday: "Our horse is in good form and he is going to run as long as the ground is not firm.

"It would be nice if the ground is good and all we can do is hope for the best. Shane Broderick will ride him."

Dorans Pride, an 11 to 2 chance for the Gold Cup with Ladbrokes, ran out the impressive winner of his first five starts all in novice company over fences.

However, he fell when in the lead two out of a Grade Two chase at Thurles last month. It was his first race outside first-season company.

Lorcan Wyer's nightmare season continues as the Malton-based jockey faces an indefinite spell on the sidelines.

Concussed following a fall from Thornton Gate at Doncaster last Saturday, Wyer also sustained ligament damage to his left shoulder.

The Irishman had hoped to resume riding at Catterick on Wednesday but his shoulder was still giving him trouble and he decided to delay his return until this weekend.

But the condition of his shoulder has not improved and the rider will also miss next week's Festival.