Neptune Collonges' return plans shelved

Plans for Shropshire Grand National hope Neptune Collonges to make his seasonal return this weekend have been shelved.

The 10-year-old had been entered for the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby, but Cosford-based owner John Hales revealed the grade two event had come too early for the Paul Nicholls in-mate.

"He is not ready yet," said Hales, who has confirmed this will be the last season in training for a horse that finished third in the 2008 Gold Cup.

"He probably needs another three weeks and it is possible we could go straight to the Hennessy (Gold Cup at Newbury on November 26)."

Full story in today's Shropshire Star