Trabolgan Gold Cup decision expected by Christmas
The Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup winner has been on the easy list after a scan revealed a slight problem with a tendon, ruling out a crack at the Stan James King George VI Chase on Boxing Day.
“Trabolgan is being ridden and trotted. He feels good, actually,” said Henderson.
“It won’t make any difference to the King George, but we will have a look at a scan next week and make a definite decision as to what we do by Christmas.
“I can’t let it go on, eating into anything next year, but my head man, Corky Browne, who has bet me he’ll get to the Gold Cup, is quietly working away on him and he’s optimistic.
“If we were allowed to crack on, I would still be hopeful of getting to Cheltenham and he’s an easy horse to get fit, but we will have a definite decision by Christmas one way or the other.”
Meanwhile Robert Alner is hoping the Sandown track will bring out the best in Kingscliff when the eight-year-old attempts to go one better than last year in the Stan James King George VI Chase.
The race has been transferred to the Esher venue while Kempton is redeveloped and Alner has his fingers crossed that the change in track will play to Kingscliff’s strengths.
“He’s a big horse who has taken some time but and I’m sure this year he is fully mature and we have had no problems,” he told At The Races yesterday.
“Although he did nothing wrong at Kempton, in theory, Sandown will suit him much better.”
Kingscliff caused a surprise when lifting the Betfair Chase at Haydock last month, beating Cheltenham Gold Cup winner and last year’s King George victor Kicking King in the process.
Alner’s charge is currently enjoying his usual unorthodox preparation for the King George, for which he is 9-4 with Ladbrokes.
“He doesn’t like routine so we send him hunting - I’ve taken him hunting three times and we will continue to do so,” Alner added.
“My wife rides him and they go off for hours on their own so it’s a bit of unconventional training.
“We made a conscious plan this year to run him when he’s right and if the race is suitable to run him.
“Last year we waited for the Gold Cup and never got there so this year if the horse is fit and well, he goes.”
