As the owner of Kicking King, Conor Clarkson has hit the heights of National Hunt racing, but the journey has been an eventful one and testament to the vicissitudes of the sport. Declan Colley hears the story from the horse owner’s mouth.

RATHGAR BEAU is set to make an early start to next season after having the current campaign cut short by a tendon injury.

Connections of Kingscliff have given the Betfair Chase winner a clean bill of health – despite his disappointing run in the King George VI Chase on Boxing Day.

Owner Jim Lewis will seek the best jockey available on the day for Best Mate following the retirement of the triple Cheltenham Gold Cup winner’s regular partner Jim Culloty.

JIM CULLOTY returns from a seven-week lay-off through injury with a ride at Exeter today.