'He wasn't well' - travel-related illness blamed for A Plus Tard's Haydock flop

A travel-related illness has been identified as the reason behind A Plus Tard's Betfair Chase blowout, with Cheveley Park Stud's Richard Thompson optimistic the dazzling Cheltenham Gold Cup winner will be back in time for a tilt at this month's Savills Chase.

Pulling up before the third-last fence at Haydock last month marked the first time in A Plus Tard's 20-race career that he had not finished in the first three, having been sent off the 1-2 favourite against ready winner Protektorat.

Layers responded to the uncharacteristic defeat by pushing him out to as big as 10-1 (from 4-1) for a repeat in this season's Boodles-backed Cheltenham highlight. And the Henry de Bromhead-trained performer could be given the chance to get back on track at the Leopardstown Christmas festival on December 28.

"He wasn't injured at Haydock but he wasn't well," said Thompson. "There was something up with his bloods, I think, and I believe there is still a good chance of him running this month.

"He was fine when he left Ireland to go to Haydock, but it looks like he picked something up on his way there. He wasn't a well horse when he ran."

Thompson added: "The big goal, of course, is to get back to Cheltenham again, but we'd love to run in the Savills Chase if possible.

"The Gold Cup was just incredible for us last season. In terms of our history, that will go down as being right up there in the top five moments for us. It was just magnificent."

Thompson suggested it remains a possibility that their dual Ryanair Chase scorer Allaho could have one run before returning to Cheltenham. His festival prep in the past two seasons came when winning the Grade 2 Horse & Jockey Hotel Chase at Thurles in late January.

Asked whether the same contest could be an option for Allaho to appear before Cheltenham, Thompson said: "I think it's possible. Willie seemed quite confident he'd be back for Cheltenham, but you'd like to see him have a run beforehand.

Allaho: could have a run before Cheltenham in MarchCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

"I don't think the issues were that big, more so niggly things. I'd hope he'll run once before Cheltenham and then go on to Punchestown."

Thompson also confirmed the "very exciting" Sir Gerhard will be campaigned over fences this season, while impressive Down Royal Champion Chase winner Envoi Allen remains on target for a tilt at the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton.

Among the many highs that Cheveley Park's famous red, white and blue silks have savoured in jump racing in recent seasons, the prominent operation have had their fair share of bad luck with hugely talented Grade 1 winner Ferny Hollow.

It was confirmed this week that the 2020 Champion Bumper victor
will miss a third consecutive Cheltenham Festival due to a hind tendon injury.

Thompson said: "You would be optimistic in the sense that he is just a seven-year-old, but the only problem is he's been out before. You've got to be realistic as well as hopeful."

Grangeclare West, a £430,000 point-to-point recruit, could be poised to develop into Cheveley Park's latest big star following a highly impressive maiden hurdle win at Navan last month.

Grangeclare West: ante-post favourite for the Albert Bartlett Novices' HurdleCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

The Willie Mullins-trained six-year-old tops the market for the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle at a general 5-1, while he is no bigger than 8-1 second favourite for the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle.

"He looks the real deal potentially," said Thompson. "Willie felt that could have been one of the best Irish maiden hurdles in years last time at Navan, and the way he won it was great.

"Hopefully there's more improvement to come and you've got to cross your fingers that he remains sound."

Cheveley Park Stud details

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