King could return at Leopardstown

KICKING KING, the 2005 Gold Cup hero, is likely to be back in action before the end of the year.

Tom Taaffe’s eight year old landed last year’s King George but was unable to defend his crown in Cheltenham’s blue riband after sustaining a season-ending injury.

Taaffe has been delighted with his recent progress, however, and hopes his charge will arrive fighting fit at the Festival this time around.