Oscars Well endured a precarious time at Punchestown on Sunday but has emerged unscathed from his travels.
The odds-on favourite for the Grade Two novice chase won by Twinlight crashed out at the second fence, and when running loose managed to escape from the racecourse onto a nearby road before being caught. “He’s sound but he’s a bit sore. It was the fall that made him sore, it was a hell of a fall,” trainer Jessica Harrington said yesterday.
“He took off onto the road as well but it was just the fall that made him very sore. We’ll leave him this week and see how he is before thinking what to do with him next.”
Hurricane Fly’s Grade One Morgiana success was the highlight at Punchestown on Sunday and Willie Mullins indicated yesterday the 2011 Champion Hurdle winner is likely to skip the Hatton’s Grace in a fortnight and wait for Leopardstown over Christmas. “I was more than happy with the run and he seems absolutely fine today,” said Mullins. “I’d say he will probably go to Leopardstown after Christmas now.”
Dessie Hughes is also thinking of the festive action over Fairyhouse’s festival for his exciting novice Minsk who got off the mark over hurdles at the weekend.
Even if Wexford passes a further 8am inspection this morning, conditions will still be far from ideal for the top hunter Salsify who adds a touch of star quality to today’s card.
