Nothing wrong with Kingscliff, says trainer

Robert Alner has again stressed there are no problems with totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup favourite Kingscliff despite rumours circulating about the nine-year-old’s well-being.

The Betfair Chase winner is as low as 9-2 in places for the blue riband, but has been easy to back on the betting exchanges on a number of occasions following his disappointment in the King George VI Chase on St Stephen's Day.

“There is nothing wrong with the horse and there hasn’t been anything wrong since Sandown,” Alner told At The Races.

“We don’t bet at all and we aren’t interested in the betting, but somebody dreams it up and spreads a rumour and the phone never stops with people asking if he is alright.

“I have been told that he is out for the season – but Sally (Alner) rode him out this morning and he seems fine.

“I don’t know where these stories come from, I only train horses and don’t start rumours.

“People say there is no smoke without fire, but that is totally untrue as there is nothing wrong with the horse.”