Nicky Henderson has revealed Grandouet is a doubt to make his second appearance of the season in the Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton on Saturday due to the discovery of filling in his near fore.

But Henderson stressed the issue "does not jeopardise his participation or prospects" as far as the Stan James Champion Hurdle is concerned.

"First thing yesterday (Monday) morning Grandouet had filling in his near fore which had obviously been caused overnight. He swam, as he regularly does, and was seen by our vets and given some antibiotics to stop the inflammation," said the Seven Barrows handler.

"It has improved this morning, but not by as much as we might have hoped. He will swim again today, have another two sessions in our spa and we will monitor the situation again in the morning. Depending on the progress, a decision will be made as to whether he can run in the Kingwell on Saturday.

"Should this not be possible, he will change the medication, which will eliminate the filling instantly but prevent him from running this weekend, as this more aggressive medication is prohibited for racing purposes in the short term (one week).

"Whatever the outcome, this problem does not jeopardise his participation or prospects as far as the Champion Hurdle is concerned. There is no damage to any bone, tendon or ligament and he is 100% sound."

Meanwhile Alan King has admitted defeat in his race to get Grumeti ready in time for the Champion Hurdle.

Last year's Triumph Hurdle runner-up, who went one better at Aintree, had a couple of runs on the Flat in the summer, but met with a setback which has kept him off the track so far this season. King had hoped to run him in the Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton this weekend.

A statement on the trainer's website read: "Grumeti, winner of the Grade One juvenile hurdle at Aintree last April, suffered a couple of niggling problems in the autumn which delayed his jumping comeback, but all seemed to be going well in his game of catch-up until he pulled muscles last week.

"Unfortunately, with Saturday's Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton coming too soon and no prospect of a prep race before the Festival, he has been ruled out of the Champion."

13 May 2013

Fabre confirms Ocovango for Epsom
Aspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout

12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
Guest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning

11 May 2013

Felix foot-perfect on fencing debut
Cavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory

10 May 2013

Telescope focus is on Dante
Blinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests