Saphir Du Rheu is unlikely to have another start before the World Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

Having undergone a breathing operation after finishing fifth in the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot last month, the Paul Nicholls-trained seven-year-old is now almost certain to be next seen in the Grade One contest, in which he finished second last year, on March 17th.

Owner Andy Stewart said: "Saphir Du Rheu is very well. The reason he didn't run well at Ascot was simply because he needed a breathing operation.

"He has had the breathing operation so he is now fixed on that front and is in absolutely super form.

"He will go straight to the World Hurdle now."

Stewart felt the decision to run Champion Hurdle contender Old Guard whom he part-owns with Jeremy Kyle, in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton was one race too many.

He said: "We shouldn't have run him at Kempton as it came so soon after Cheltenham.

"I thought that, as did Paul Nicholls and Jeremy Kyle.

"As a young horse we should have perhaps waited until Wincanton."