Laurina's retirement on hold as new connections consider Grade 1 bid

Cheltenham Festival winner Laurina was retired in November but could be set for a surprise return to racing at the Punchestown festival as her new connections have entered her in two Grade 1s.

The eight-year-old, who has not won since beating Minella Indo in a beginners' chase for Willie Mullins and former owner Jared Sullivan in November 2019, ran just once for Paul Nicholls when bursting a blood vessel at Ascot in November and was retired a few days later.

She was bought by Douglas Taylor for €290,000 in December and appeared in Monday's entries under the care of Wexford-based trainer Cormac Farrell, a capable producer of breeze-up and point-to-point talent who has had 26 runners over jumps this season.