Punchestowns (with a run 3/1) has a problem with his near-fore but will be given every chance to prove his fitness for the RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, Nicky Henderson has confirmed.

Last season’s World Hurdle runner-up was given a run-out on Wednesday and reported no ill-effects until the problem surfaced late on Thursday.

Henderson, speaking at Newbury, said: “We have a problem with Punchestowns on his near-fore.

“A similar thing happened last weekend and we had to take his shoe off, but it cleared up quickly and he spent a couple of days swimming, so didn’t really miss anything.”

Henderson revealed he had hoped to school Punchestowns on Friday but his plans were hit by the frost and an X-ray has found no lasting damage.

Henderson, who also has stable-mate Long Run (2/1 favourite) entered, added: “The last time it happened he was sound within 24 to 48 hours and he loved going swimming, but I did want to get another run into him and that hasn’t happened and now there is this, so I am just warning people.”

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