A definitive decision on More Of That s participation at the Cheltenham Festival could be reached by the end of next week.

The Jonjo O'Neill-trained seven-year-old won the Ladbrokes World Hurdle 12 months ago when ending the unbeaten record of top mare Annie Power but was beaten on his return to action at Newbury in November and has not run since.

He bled after exercise earlier in the week, and the defence of his Cheltenham crown hangs in the balance.

O'Neill said: "We should get all his results back by Wednesday, I think, so we'll know more by the end of next week."

O'Neill had happier news on Thursday when Holywell came back to form in fine style at Carlisle, putting himself firmly in the Gold Cup picture.

However, the Jackdaws Castle handler is resigned to the fact that Tony McCoy is unlikely to be available for the ride, instead being required by JP McManus for Hennessy hero Carlingford Lough

He said: "He's come out of it well and it's straight to Cheltenham.

"I don't know what it was earlier in the year, they all tailed off but they are back running well again now. We ran more tests than any hospital, yet nothing showed up.

"I don't think AP (McCoy) has a choice, though, he'll have to ride the other fella."