IRISH ‘BANKER’ SIR EREC HIT BY INJURY SCARE

TRIUMPH HURDLE favourite Sir Erec has suffered a training setback — but trainer Joseph O’Brien is confident his stable star will make it to Cheltenham next week.

The JP McManusowned son of Camelot, a Group 2-placed stayer on the Flat when in the care of O’Brien’s father Aidan, is a bestpriced evenmoney hotpot for or the juvenile hurdles title.

And after landing both his starts over obstacles, he has been labelled by many as the Irish banker of the Festival.

O’Brien (above), whose Arkle Trophy market leader Le Richebourg was ruled out of Cheltenham last week, said: “Just to keep everyone in the loop, Sir Erec was found to have a stone bruise this morning.

“However, with eight days until the Triumph Hurdle, we are confident that will be more than enough time for Sir Erec to fully recover and get to the race in top form.”

Road To Respect was cut to 9-2 for the Ryanair Chase after Noel Meade confirmed Thursday’s race to be the eight-yearold’s Festival target.

Fourth to Native River in the Gold Cup last year, Roa Road To Respect w was a 12-1 chance to go three places better.

But, after recent rain tu turned the grou ground at Prestbury Park to the soft side of good, connections have opted to step back in distance for the Ryanair Chase, a race sponsored by the gelding’s owner Michael O’Leary.

Meade said: “We’ve had a discussion about it and we feel he just didn’t quite get home in the Gold Cup last year.

“We think the Ryanair is a better option, so that is the way we’re thinking at the moment,” added the Co Meath trainer, whose Tout Est Permis will sidestep the Festival. 2.00 PRECIOUS CARGO 2.30 BONNE QUESTION (NB) 3.05 MAGOO

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