Henderson to delay Sacre decision

Nicky Henderson will delay a decision on Sprinter Sacre's participation in the Clarence House Chase ‘until the last possible moment'.

Sprinter Sacre has been out of action since being diagnosed with well-documented heart problem at Kempton Park in December 2013.

However, connections are eager to see him take to the track at Ascot on Saturday as the nine-year-old looks to continue his route back to full fitness.

Henderson has been left slightly concerned over the prospect of the conditions, although he feels the ground may not be any better if they hold off for the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury on February 7.

Henderson said: “We'll have to leave it until the last possible moment. I'd like to leave it until Saturday morning.

“We have to declare on Thursday morning, which is a bore, as it doesn't give us the luxury of seeing what the weather is going to do on Thursday and Friday.

“I'm desperately keen to try and run him this weekend, I must admit, but the forecast at the moment is horrific and we're just starting to get a bit nervous about it.

“You could say you'd wait for the Game Spirit, but what are the chances of getting better ground?

“This weather isn't going to be any better next week, or the week after, and the Game Spirit is at the beginning of February.”