Nicky Henderson© Photo Healy Racing
Nicky Henderson's exciting French import Kotkikova will not run in the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot on Saturday and could instead be seen at Leopardstown over Christmas.
The five-year-old mare boasted 11 wins in 14 starts for Jean-Paul Gallorini, winning a Grade One chase as well as being placed at the highest level over hurdles, and was snapped up by JP McManus earlier in the year.
"Koktikova doesn't go to Ascot on Saturday, she might go to Ireland for the three-mile hurdle (Squared Financial Christmas Hurdle on December 28) over Christmas at Leopardstown," said Henderson.
"Barry (Geraghty) rode her yesterday and the one thing we do know is that she wants soft ground."
Henderson also revealed Jenkins will not run in the Grade Two Sky Bet Supreme Trial Novices' Hurdle at Ascot on Friday, adding: "Jenkins will go to Kempton (at Christmas), he could do a with a bit more experience."
The Seven Barrows handler did confirm Supreme Novices' Hurdle third Buveur D'Air is on course to make his debut over fences in the Racing UK Anywhere Novices' Chase at Haydock on Saturday.
