Taaffe favouring Punchestown run

Tom Taaffe has hinted Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Kicking King will make his racecourse return in the inaugural Daily Star Chase at Punchestown on October 20.

The County Kildare trainer is also looking at the National Lottery Agent Champion Chase at Gowran on October 8, a race Kicking King won last year, although the Punchestown event, a conditions race over two miles and six furlongs, seems the favoured option.

The seven-year-old, who was last seen running at the Punchestown Festival in April, will then chase a huge bonus offered by Betfair incorporating three of the season’s biggest races.

Taaffe told the Sun: “Kicking King could go for his prep run at Gowran Park on October 8. But it is more likely the first time the public will see him will be at Punchestown on October 20.

“Betfair’s bonus of £1million is for any horse who can win their race at Haydock in November, the King George VI Chase at Sandown and then the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

“It’s a fantastic incentive and we can’t wait to have a shot. Luckily it falls right into Kicking King’s schedule but everything is aimed at the second Gold Cup.”

Kicking King is as short as 2-1 for back-to-back victories at Cheltenham.