Get set for a thrilling start to 2020 as Paisley team target New Year's Day run

The first major card of 2020 could welcome one of jumping's biggest stars after owner Andrew Gemmell indicated Paisley Park is likely to head to Cheltenham on New Year's Day after being pulled out of his intended appearance at Ascot on Saturday.

After assessing the state of the track during the 11.30am inspection, trainer Emma Lavelle withdrew Paisley Park from the Marsh-sponsored Long Walk Hurdle, having found false patches of ground on the downhill run to Swinley Bottom.

Andrew Gemmell celebrates Paisley Park's Stayers' Hurdle win with Emma LavelleCredit: Edward Whitaker

As a result, connections are now considering the Grade 2 Dornan Engineering Relkeel Hurdle, in which the sport's outstanding long-distance hurdler would have to drop back in trip to 2m4½f and also carry a 6lb penalty. The Cheltenham fixture also includes a 3m handicap hurdle, for which Paisley Park would be eligible.

"It was the right call not to run today," said Gemmell on Saturday evening. "There is a very slim chance we could go to Leopardstown over Christmas but that would involve travelling.

"Cheltenham on New Year's Day looks like being the place we head next."

Explaining the decision not to run in the Long Walk earlier in the day, Lavelle said: "Ascot have done a great job but in our opinion there are a couple of false patches going down the hill. If they weren't on the hill we would probably be happier.

"It's a big decision, as it's a Grade 1 race, but in our view it just wouldn't be the right thing to run him in that race on that ground.

Barry Fenton, Aidan Coleman and Emma Lavelle assess the Ascot ground on SaturdayCredit: Edward Whitaker

"If the patches weren't where they are it would be a different conversation but they are going downhill and I don't think we would forgive ourselves if something happened. We may not even gallop into the false patches but we can't guarantee that."

Lavelle, who also withdrew Pemberley from the opening race due to the ground, added: "The weather has been really unhelpful and we'll now just have to go back to the drawing board. I don't know where we'll go now. The Relkeel is something we'll have to discuss."

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