Irish 'Trophy' hopes depend on Gatherer

Mullins has novices Adamant Approach and Joe Cullen engaged in Newbury's Grade Three hurdle contest in which both are currently out of the handicap proper.

But he also holds alternatives at Leopard-stown on Sunday when he runs leading Cheltenham Gold Cup hopefuls, Florida Pearl and Alexander Banquet, in the Irish Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup on the same card.

"If Valirimix stays in, neither of my horses will run at Newbury," said Mullins. "Adamant Approach is more than likely to run in a novice event at Leopardstown anyway. But if the Pipe horse were to come out, we'd have to take a look at the race for Joe Cullen.

"He does have a nice weight in a handicap at Leopardstown the following day. The heavy ground won't suit him at either track, but it's not realistic to think we can find better going at this time of year."

Newbury reports that the ground for Saturday's important meeting has dried out a little, but remains officially described as 'heavy' at the time of writing.

But clerk of the course, Richard Osgood, was keen to stress there is "no risk" of abandonment.

"On Monday, I thought we might have had a problem but since then the track has drained and dried well," Osgood said.

"We are due some rain today and tomorrow, but nothing significant. It's all systems go, with no plans for an inspection."

Osgood admitted that some rain on the day would be advantageous to runners, removing its stickiness and making it easier to travel through.

Meanwhile, London City's racecourse project has hit a further delay.

Government arbitration on the public inquiry into the £100 million proposal for Fairlop Plain in the east of the capital is now not expected to be announced this week.

"He would prefer it slightly better, but he'll go through it all right. Conor O'Dwyer rides."