The former Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Imperial Call will next run over hurdles at Navan on Saturday. Runner-up to Dorans Pride in his only appearance this season at Clonmel last month, Imperial Call will contest the £5,000 Navan Hurdle over two and a half miles in preparation for another crack at the current Gold Cup favourite in the Ericsson Chase over Christmas. Imperial Call is currently 16 to 1 to regain his Cheltenham crown.
Trainer Fergie Sutherland said yesterday: "He missed a few days after Clonmel and he needs a good sweat and a good blow to get rid of the cobwebs."
As for the surprise move back to the smaller obstacles, Sutherland said: "He needs a run and sometimes a light game is better than a heavy training session."
There was less encouraging news, however, of one of the leading Irish novice hurdlers, Feathered Leader, who will miss the rest of the season.
Feathered Leader won the Grade One Royal Bond Hurdle at Fairyhouse last time out but has developed a muscle strain in a leg and Arthur Moore has decided to put him away until next season.
"Please God, he'll be back 100 per cent next season but at least he already has a big pot under his belt. This problem has manifested itself since Fairyhouse but it's better its happened now rather than next season," Moore said yesterday.
The Co Kildare trainer had better news of Klairon Davis who has come out of his last contest at Sandown well and is likely to run next at Fairyhouse on New Year's Day.
The following horses are visored for the first time today: Newcastle - 2.15, Marchant Ming; 3.20 Take Notice. The following horses are blinkered for the first time: Newcastle - 1.15, Ahbejaybus. Newton Abbot - 1.05, Cool Cat. Warwick - 2.30, Nickle Joe; 3.30, Knightsbridge Girl; 3.30 Mazirah; 3.30 The Weatherman.
