Richards set to bypass Cheltenham14th February 2013
Nicky Richards is shying away from a trip to next month's Cheltenham Festival with Duke Of Navan despite another impressive display in the BetVictor Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso.
The Greystoke handler has endured a couple of relatively quiet campaigns since the retirement of stable stalwart Monet's Garden in 2010, but has a new spring in his step this term following the emergence of both Duke Of Navan and the equally exciting novice hurdler Eduard.
With plenty to find at the ratings with favourite Any Given Day, Richards' charge was allowed to go off at 5-2 and was always travelling smoothly under Brian Harding. Although a peck on landing gave his rival a chance, Harding's mount picked up well on the run-in to take the prize by two and a half lengths.