Demon fine after spill

Henrietta Knight has reported that Racing Demon is fine following his fall at the fourth last flight in the Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton on Saturday.

The King George VI Chase third reverted to timber in an attempt to sharpen up his jumping ahead of bigger targets later in the season.

However, the seven-year-old took a nasty fall which was the worst possible scenario for connections.

He is none the worse thankfully and is still on course for the Grade One Commercial First Ascot Chase on February 17, where he could clash with Monet’s Garden.

“Fortunately he is fine,” said Knight.

“He has been out in the paddock this morning trotting about so he is fine. It didn’t look a very nice fall though did it?

“He took off a stride too soon and took a nasty tumble.

“It is such a shame as he was just getting in to the race but, that’s racing.

“Ascot is still the plan. He’s been very, very lucky but he is sound and he’s been trotting out in the field so we live to fight another day.”

Racing Demon is 8-1 for the Ryanair Chase with Stan James and VC Bet and 16-1 for the Cheltenham Gold Cup with Betfred and Coral.