Ferny Hollow's withdrawal opens up Fortria Chase to the chasing pack

Sunday: 2.30 Navan
Sean P Muldoon & Patrick F Gormley Fortria Chase (Grade 2) | 2m | 5yo+ | RTV/RTE1

He has been sighted only three times since March 2020 but Ferny Hollow remains one of the most exciting prospects in training, and all eyes would have been on his deeply anticipated return in this competitive Grade 2.

However, it was not to be as Ferny Hollow was withdrawn from the Fortria Chase on Sunday afternoon a little more than two hours before the off, owing to the ground at Navan.

It was one of the biggest disappointments of last season that we did not get to see how high the Willie Mullins-trained seven-year-old could fly over fences, with his campaign ended prematurely due to injury. Now, his return has been delayed further.

The joint-highest rating on offer in this now six-runner affair belongs to last term's Tingle Creek third Captain Guinness.

Andy Dufresne: boasts form figures of 121 at NavanCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Riviere D'Etel, runner-up to Ferny Hollow in the Grade 1 Racing Post Novice Chase at Leopardstown in December, is 2lb worse off than that encounter when beaten a length and a half but will not be found wanting for experience in this sphere.

What they say

Henry de Bromhead, trainer of Captain Guinness
Captain Guinness is in good form and this looks a nice starting point for him. On his day he's a very talented horse and I've been happy with him at home.

Captain Guinness: bids to provide Henry de Bromhead and Rachael Blackmore with back-to-back wins in the Fortria ChaseCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Andy Dufresne and Riviere D'etel
Andy Dufresne is a smart horse and has some good form at Navan. The trip looks ideal and on his best form he'd look to have a chance. It's Riviere D'etel's first start of the season too and we're looking forward to getting her going again. She had some good form last season so hopefully she'll run a nice race.

Pat Fahy, trainer of Castlegrace Paddy
He seems very well in himself and we're looking forward to getting him started back. We'll see how he gets on here and that will hopefully point us to where he'll be going for the rest of the season. He likes Navan and the ground should be suitable.

Sunday's previews:

1.45 Cheltenham: Nube Negra faces just two rivals in Shloer Chase repeat bid

1.55 Navan: Flooring Porter v Bob Olinger: analysis and insight for a huge Lismullen clash

2.20 Cheltenham: 'We think he's in great shape' - which chaser has his trainer purring?

2.55 Cheltenham: 'He couldn't be in a better place' - top trainers on their Greatwood chances

3.30 Cheltenham: Nicky Henderson newcomer bids to emulate Altior in Supreme Trial

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