Irish Hennessy Gold Cup hero Joncol will not tackle next month’s Ryanair Chase after he was withdrawn from the field at the latest forfeit stage.

Trainer Paul Nolan has admitted he sees no reason to rush his stable star into action at Cheltenham and he would rather turn his attentions to the Guinness Gold Cup at Punchestown in April.

"The horse will hopefully now go to Punchestown providing that the ground is safe at that time," confirmed the trainer.

"I am very pleased with the horse and he is doing very well and has come out of the Hennessy better than the Lexus and I couldn't be happier with him.

"The decision was made before the Hennessy that if he won, we wouldn't go to Cheltenham and we'll wait and give it another year before we go there.

"We're better off sticking with the plan and that's the reason we're missing Cheltenham.

"He's really learning to race now and Cheltenham is a bit too soon.

"We'll give him more runs and more experience for Cheltenham next year. Hopefully it will be the Gold Cup next year if the horse stays sound - and there is no reason why not."

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