Horse racing: Gold Cup fancy set for return
Marlborough is on course for a return to racing action in the next month after pleasing connections in a grass gallop.
‘‘He did plenty of work on our grass gallops and went very, very well,’’ said trainer Nicky Henderson.
The Lambourn-based handler will choose between the Pillar Chase at Cheltenham on January 26 or the Aon Chase at Newbury two weeks later as the target for Marlborough’s seasonal debut.
The Sir Robert Ogden-owned gelding missed an intended engagement in the Pertemps King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day due to a minor breathing operation.
But the 10-year-old remains a leading fancy for the £300,000 Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup following an unbeaten campaign last season which culminated with victory in the Grade One Tote Gold Trophy at Sandown in April.
