Hales ace Noland may switch course at Christmas

Shropshire's Cheltenham Festival winner Noland could swerve National Hunt racing's Christmas showpiece for an alternative festive date.

Noland, owned by Cosford's businessman John Hales, had been laid out for a tilt at the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day in a high class field including the legendary Kauto Star and Gold Cup winner Long Run.

But champion trainer Paul Nicholls has floated the idea of sending Noland to the 3m 1f Lexus Chase at Leopardstown on December 28.

Nicholls had planned to run the now retired Denman in Ireland, and it appears Hales is leaning towards the prospect of changing his plans for Noland.

"It's not 100 per cent certain what will happen and a final decision has not been made," Hales revealed today.

"If we go to the Lexus, I would have to supplement him and we are not certain who would ride him over there.

"We think the Lexus may suit him better but we will have to wait and see. He certainly hasn't been withdrawn from the King George."

Noland, who won the Supreme Novices Hurdle at the Festival in 2006 and finished third in the Arkle two years later, has not been seen on the track since landing the Aon Chase at Newbury in February.