Santini given green light for Cheltenham

Trainer Nicky Henderson has given Santini the green light to run in next week's Cheltenham Festival following a recent injury scare.

The seven-year-old is scheduled to run in the Grade One RSA Chase on day two of the Festival and has impressed over fences so far this season, winning on one of his two starts in the Ladbrokes John Francome Novices' Chase at Newbury before Christmas.

However, the gelding pulled off a shoe during a racecourse gallop at Newbury on Sunday and that put his chances of competing at Prestbury Park in doubt.

Henderson was concerned for Santini but has now delivered a positive injury update.

Taking to social media, Henderson said: “All is well in the world with Santini this morning and we're firmly back on track for the RSA!”

Santini is now in line to make his second appearance at the Festival next week. He ran in the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle last year, finishing third behind Ok Corral and winner Kilbricken Storm.