King set for Cheltenham Gold

Kicking King is set to run in next Friday’s totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup, trainer Tom Taaffe has confirmed.

The seven-year-old was initially ruled out of the race last week after failing to please the Co Kildare handler in a workout and scoping badly.

However, a course of antibiotics seems to have done the trick and Taaffe reports the King George VI Chase winner to be back in the Cheltenham running.

In a statement, Taaffe said: “Kicking King will be confirmed on Saturday as a runner in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.

“The horse has surprised as to his well-being in all aspects since Sunday, March 6 and seems to have put his problems behind him.

“He has worked well and scoped well since and we hope all remains on course.”

Kicking King, who finished second over hurdles at the Festival in 2003 and second in the Arkle Trophy last year, is a 7-1 chance with William Hill for the Gold Cup.