A DECISION on the future of Inglis Drever is not expected for at least a month following the hock injury he sustained at Newbury on Saturday.

The triple World Hurdle hero was pulled up by Denis O’Regan in his bid to win the Long Distance Hurdle for a fourth time.

He was taken to Donnington Grove Veterinary Surgery near the Berkshire track, where he spent the night, but the gelding was expected back at Howard Johnson’s stables in County Durham last night.

‘‘It’s a bit better news than we expected. He’s on his way home,’’ said owner Graham Wylie.

‘‘He pulled a tendon off his hock only partially and even put some weight on it last night.

‘‘I think Howard will get the vets in when the horse gets home and have a good look at him.

‘‘The horse is fine and the injury was not life-threatening. I think it will take a month or so before we need to decide what to do.’’ ■ Britain’s three challengers made no impact as Screen Hero caused a 40-1 upset in the Japan Cup.

Purple Moon did best of the trio in ninth place while Sixties Icon was 13th and Papal Bull 14th.

Ridden by Italian Mirco Demuro, Screen Hero held Japanese Derby winner Deep Sky by half-a-length with Vodka third.

‘‘I always believed in my horse and he won his last race very well,’’ said Demuro, who had received a 30-day licence to ride in Japan a day earlier.