Legendary trainer Nicky Henderson has delivered an upbeat bulletin on Cheltenham Festival hopeful Punchestowns ahead of his tilt at the RSA Chase next week.

The superstar suffered a setback last week that forced his trainer to warn antepost punters that his participation in the Grade One showpiece was up the air.  However, he now looks likely to take his chance alongside talented French raider and stablemate Long Run.

"We had a scare with Punchestowns last week when he had a bruised foot which held him up for a couple of days, but I don't think has affected us dramatically," Henderson explained.

"He's back in good form, he schooled yesterday and he's got one more bit of work to do tomorrow. He's a very high-class horse.

"He's only had two races over fences. I probably would have preferred a third one, but it's been a desperate winter for frost and snow and everything. He comes here in very good form.

"Long Run is something else. I'd like to think he might be something very special, but we'll find out next week."

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