Noble Prince could this winter drop back to two miles from two and a half miles, with Nolan having identified a race at Naas as a possible comeback target.

“He’s in good form and the ground will probably decide where he runs this season,” said Nolan.

“There is a two-mile race in Naas (Poplar Square Chase) at the end of October which we could start him off in, but we’ll see nearer the time.

“I think we’ll keep him at the minimum trip in Ireland when the ground is soft and we’ll just see where we are come Cheltenham and Punchestown in the spring.”

Nolan also had news of his 2010 Irish Hennessy hero Joncol, who is on the comeback trail after having undergone knee surgery.

“Joncol is back in as well and he’s had an operation on his knee, which all seems to have gone well,” Nolan added.

“I’m hoping we’ll have a sounder horse for this year and hopefully we have plenty to look forward to. It will be a similar plan for him, but this year we are contemplating travelling to Newbury for the Hennessy Gold Cup.”