King disappoints in Gowran heat

Kicking King was a disappointing third behind shock winner Ballistraw in the Red Mills Chase at Gowran Park.

The 2005 Cheltenham Gold Cup hero failed to make a serious challenge as Ballistraw, the 33-1 outsider of four, landed the spoils for jockey Andrew McNamara and trainer Denis Hickey.

Knight Legend took the field along and soon built up a commanding lead over Kicking King and Ballistraw.

After Justified fell at the ninth fence, the others started to cut into Knight Legend’s lead.

Kicking King threatened briefly in the straight but it was Ballistraw who threw down the gauntlet to Knight Legend.

Although neither of the two leaders jumped the final fence well, it was Ballistraw who sauntered into the lead to win by three-quarters of a length with Kicking King a well-beaten third.

VC Bet took Tom Taaffe’s charge out of the Gold Cup betting and trimmed Knight Legend to 33-1 from 50-1 for the John Smith’s Grand National.