Paul Nolan has ruled Cloone River out of any possible engagements over Christmas but hopes to see the Queen Mother Champion Chase contender back on the track in the New Year.

The 2004 Galway Hurdle winner has been out of action since suffering a crashing fall in this year's renewal of the race, with the nine-year-old unbeaten in two starts over fences.

"Cloone River is in great shape at the moment but we haven't really made any plans for him, apart from March, which is his main target" Nolan said yesterday.

"He certainly won't run over the Christmas period but we might see him out soon after. I don't want to plan anything though, until we feel our way with his first few strong pieces of work.

"We couldn't be happier with the way he is going. He is not a horse who needs a great amount of work to get himself right because when he starts getting competitive he really burns off the calories. We are happy enough we will have Cloone River well on the day in March if we can keep him healthy, which is always the main thing."

Cloone River was forced to miss last year's Arkle Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival after suffering a setback and is a general 12 to 1 chance for the Queen Mother.