Shark Hanlon's charge was beaten by Cheltenham Gold Cup favourite Sir Des Champs when last seen in action in a Grade Two at Leopardstown.

"When the horses got sick after Christmas I decided that all my good ones, Hidden Cyclone, Luska Lad, Ardglen and a few others would be just be out in a field," said Hanlon.

"I'll bring him back early in September. He wasn't right the last day yet he only just got beat by Sir Des Champs and that horse is now favourite for the Gold Cup.

"In an ideal world we could have done with getting two more runs into him this season but I'll start him back early and get the experience into him then,"