Taaffe happy with King's progress

KICKING KING is recuperating well from the tendon injury which saw his season curtailed after his success in the Stan James King George VI Chase at Sandown on St Stephen's Day.

The totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup hero will not be at next month's Festival to defend his crown, but things are going to plan on the road to recovery.

"He was scanned last week and it is going great," said trainer Tom Taaffe. "He is doing a lot of walking and it is that good you could probably bring him back if you wanted for the start of next season.