King will rule, says Geraghty

BARRY GERAGHTY is confident Kicking King can avenge his defeat at Haydock in the Stan James King George VI Chase at Sandown on St Stephen’s Day.

The seven-year-old, winner of the Cheltenham Gold Cup, was beaten 10 and a half lengths into third by Kingscliff and Beef Or Salmon in the Betfair Chase at the Merseyside track last month.

However, trainer Tom Taaffe later reported Kicking King had twisted a shoe during the race and Geraghty thinks that was a major factor in his defeat.