A late withdrawal at Aintree earlier this month due to the drying ground, Jimmy Mangan now has his sights firmly set on Punchestown for stable star Spillane's Tower.

Twice successful at the highest level last season, the JP McManus-owned seven-year-old was beaten by just half-a-length on his return to action in the John Durkan in December.

Subsequently beaten into fifth when sent off favourite for the King George at Kempton on St Stephen's Day, he hasn't raced since.

"We are going to the Punchestown Gold Cup with him next, provided there is juice in the ground," Mangan, speaking at Cork on Monday, revealed.

"We were in the pre-parade ring in Liverpool but, unfortunately due to the wind and sun, the ground dried out so much that we withdrew him. Luckily Mark Walsh had ridden in the previous race and said to withdraw, as he said the ground was gone. It had been well watered so was not fault of the course's.

"It was a little frustrating but I didn't mind and JP (McManus) didn't mind one bit, once the horse was safe and 100 percent.

"The horse loves Punchestown and we're looking forward to going there with him as he is well in himself."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes