The trainer of one of the leading British hopes for Cheltenham 2022 fears a virus may jeopardise her plans.
Venetia Williams, due to send L'Homme Presse to the big meeting, has revealed concerns over the health of some of her horses.
Until recently, the stable has been in top form this winter – and they would equal last season's tally with just one more winner.
But with Cheltenham's racing extravaganza set to begin two weeks tomorrow, the setback has come at the wrong time for the Herefordshire handler.
L'Homme Presse, 7-2 with Betfred for the Turners Novices' Chase, has won all four of his races over fences this season, rapidly rising through the ranks.
He is due to go head-to-head with two other exciting types, Bob Olinger and Galopin Des Champs, on March 17.
Asked if the seven-year-old and Champion Chase entrant Funambule Sivola had been scoped, Williams told PA : “If I could give you the answers to everything, it would be easy.
"But for sure we are concerned. This started about a couple of weeks ago, I suppose.”
She added: "We won’t shut down, definitely not.
"We are trying to run those that are healthy, but you have probably seen that we have had five non-runners recently. We have to declare 48 hours before.
"We will just try to be careful to run those that are all right.”
Williams saddled plenty of winners in the first half of the month, however she has had one from 20 runners in the past nine days.
Espoir de Guye struck after a 364-day absence and despite putting in an indifferent round of jumping at Warwick.
British trainers are hoping for a more successful Cheltenham this year, after just five winners at the 2021 fixture.
The Irish team raced to a record of 23 successes from the 28 races.
Andy Edwards, owner of L’Homme Presse, said he is relaxed about the virus situation – and will let it play out.
“My belief system is that while it may not be what we want, everything is as it should be," he said.
"If he doesn’t make it, he wasn’t supposed to. So, I won’t worry about it."
