Ellison holds Catterick hope

Trainer Brian Ellison is hoping Catterick will pass its inspection so he can see Definitly Red in action on Friday.

The six-year-old is set to feature in the EBF “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle but recent snow and freezing temperatures across the UK have put the meeting in doubt.

Definitly Red was beaten by Native River at Newcastle on his hurdling debut but Ellison is hoping his charge will get a chance to impress at Catterick or they will have to look at alternatives.

He said: “We’re running to get more experience.

“As it’s an EBF qualifier he’d be qualified for the final at Sandown, which we also have in mind.

“He’s a very laid-back horse at home, he only does what he has to.

“If the meeting’s off I still think he qualifies anyway as we’ve declared him, but he has plenty of other options coming up.”