Royal Shakespeare, runner-up in Saturday's Scottish Champion Hurdle, could make a quick reappearance at Sandown on Friday or at Punchestown the following week.

Trainer Steve Gollings has entered the six-year-old for the Concept Hurdle at the Esher track and he could well line up in the £50,000 contest if the ground remains on the good side.

Royal Shakespeare is also in the Emo Oil Champion Hurdle at the Punchestown Festival and Gollings will have to decide between the two.

He said: ''He's entered at Sandown but he's also in at Punchestown which is only a week after so it would have to be a decision between which of the two to run.

''He won't have a penalty for the Sandown race as he was only second yesterday (Saturday) and if the ground was right he could go for that, but at the moment both are possible targets.

''Although he is definitely one of the best four hurdlers in this country, I think he's about 10 to 15lb behind the top Irish horses.

''We will have to think about it but it will all depend on the ground really.''

Royal Shakespeare has had a somewhat disappointing season after picking up a tracheal infection following his third place finish in the 'Fighting Fifth' Hurdle at Newcastle last November.

Gollings believes he is still suffering the effects of that problem but he was pleased enough with yesterday's four-length second to Genghis.

He added: ''It was a very encouraging run considering that Genghis was getting weight from us after such a good win at Aintree.

''Royal Shakespeare's come out of the race fine and you have got to be pleased given that, at present, he's still not quite right.''