X-ray gives Inglis hope of fourth World Hurdle

Trainer Howard Johnson today put Inglis Drever's retirement on hold following an X-ray on an injury sustained at Newbury in November.

While a final decision on whether Inglis Drever will return to the racecourse is still some way off, Johnson is happy for the Graham Wylie-owned 10-year-old to resume light work with a view to a possible return.

The three-time World Hurdle winner was yesterday entered in this year's renewal of the staying championship at Cheltenham on 12 March and Johnson hopes he can keep his stable star turn in one piece.

"The scan was very good and it has completely healed so it's great news," said Johnson. "We did a proper X-ray and there is nothing showing up.

"We'll start walking him for a fortnight and he won't be doing anything else other than going in a straight line. We will just take it steady.

"If everything is fine we'll give him a little canter in a fortnight to three weeks' time, just to see how it is.

"The vet took the fluid off the hock and put a long-lasting cortisone injection into it."

Inglis Drever was available at 28-1 with Betfair for the World Hurdle.

Johnson added: "If we just go slowly we can make a decision on Cheltenham later on.

"What I want more than anything is for him to go back to Graham Wylie's a sound horse when he retires."