Irish trainer Maguire is considering his future

The County Cork trainer, 45, revealed he had only “five paying horses” after Knockraha Pylon’s chase win at Thurles.

Maguire rode Cool Ground to victory in the Cheltenham Gold Cup 25 years ago this month. He suffered an injury-plagued career before teaming up with North Yorkshire’s Ferdy Murphy.

However a training career in his native Ireland has been made tougher by the dominance of leading yards, like Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott, who enjoy the patronage of the top owners.

“Things are getting tougher and tougher for everyone training horses and I just can’t make ends meet now. It’s costing me money to be training horses,” he said.

“I’ve no other choice (but to think of handing in training licence). It’s just not happening. If something is costing you money, you can’t be doing it. I’ve five paying horses. That’s what I’m down to and I’m open to offers, obviously in some aspect with horses, a role. It’s getting tougher, I’m not the only one, but that’s the way it is with me.”

He added of his winner: “She put in a great round of jumping and Paul (Townend) gave her a super ride. She popped away and things worked out.”

Road To Riches has been ruled out of the Cheltenham Festival with a setback and might not run again this season. Noel Meade’s stable stalwart finished third to Coneygree in the Gold Cup in 2015 and third to Vautour in the Ryanair Chase last season.