Beef may make fifth Cup effort

Beef Or Salmon has not been ruled out of a fifth attempt at Cheltenham Gold Cup glory next March.

Despite Michael Hourigan's 10-year-old seemingly being unsuited by Prestbury Park, his trainer is still adamant he has what it takes to win next year's blue riband.

"He will certainly travel, I imagine, to the Gold Cup again - he's only 10 now and he'll be 11 next year," said the County Limerick handler.

"He goes on most ground but he's a much better horse on soft ground."

Beef Or Salmon benefited from an encouraging spin over timber on his seasonal debut in the Ratoath College Hurdle at Fairyhouse on Saturday.

The eight-time Grade One winner over fences showed his well-being by staying on strongly over the last two flights to finish a clear runner-up behind easy winner Pedrobob.

The potential of that run was polarised after Hourigan, whose charge now goes for the James Nicholson Chase at Down Royal on November 4, revealed his stable star had been struggling with an injury.

"He had four stitches on his pastern and it held him up for 10 days," Hourigan told At The Races.

"He ran a cracker - I was very pleased with the end result.

"I really wanted to run because his next race (the James Nicholson) is Saturday week and I had to get a run into him."

Beef Or Salmon is a 25-1 chance with Cashmans for the Gold Cup, while William Hill rate him a 12-1 shot.