Harald handed Carlisle assignment

King Harald is now set to have his prep run ahead of the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Carlisle on Sunday week.

The seven-year-old, trained by Mark Bradstock, was taken out of this Sunday’s £50,000 Bonusprint.com Old Roan Chase at Aintree at the final declaration stage.

“He’s going for a 0-140 handicap chase at Carlisle over three miles plus,” said Bradstock.

“I’ve spoken to officials up there and the ground is good to soft at the moment so it should be fine for him.

“I didn’t want to take him to Liverpool. It’s a tight track and the ground there tends to be a bit quick.”

Connections are keen to get a run into the King’s Ride gelding before aiming him at the Hennessy at Newbury on November 26.

King Harald was last seen winning the Jewson Novices’ Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

“He schooled this morning and he jumped super,” added the Wantage trainer.