Kicking King poised for Christmas return at Leopardstown
That was the eight-year-old’s second victory in the Christmas showpiece event but he will not be trying for a hat-trick this term.
Taaffe has instead earmarked a small conditions race over a trip just further than two miles at Leopardstown on the same day on what will hopefully be his first step on the ladder to reclaiming his Cheltenham crown.
“First and foremost we are very happy with the horse,” said Taaffe.
“This week he has been cantering away and we are going to bring him back for a two-mile-one-furlong conditions race at Leopardstown on Boxing Day.
“The reason behind that is if he was going to run in the King George, he would have to have a prep run at least a month beforehand which is a fair bit earlier than I would want to do.
“I’m from the old school and after a bit of leg trouble I like to give them at least a year off,” said Taaffe.
“Everything is geared towards Cheltenham and I would imagine he will be having another run at the end of January or the first week in February before heading to the Festival.
“The first time we are going to meet War Of Attrition or any of those horses will be in the Gold Cup I would think, but that won’t worry me. He has won two King Georges and a Gold Cup already.
“For injuries like he has suffered, time is the only healer and that is why he will be running over two miles on his first run, I don’t want any major fatigue or tiredness.”
