Johnson dejected after Contraband setback

OWNER David Johnson could not hide his frustration as Contraband produced a lacklustre performance on his return from injury at Kempton to leave his Paddy Power Gold Cup hopes in tatters.

The former Arkle winner had been off the track for 192 days and was never going well at any stage under Timmy Murphy in the two-mile Betfred “The Bonus King” Graduation Chase, won in good style by Sporazene.

Although 4-6 favourite Contraband got to within a length of the Paul Nicholls inmate at the second-last, the eight-year-old blundered away his chance, leaving the grey to coast home by three and a half lengths.