Ground blamed for Tarot Power cut

Alan King feels the testing conditions were to blame for Tarotino’s disappointing display in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham on Saturday.

The seven-year-old came into the race as a leading fancy, having won his last three races in the spring, but was tailed off before being pulled up before three fences from home.

“It was just down to the ground, it’s as simple as that. He hated it,” said the Barbury Castle handler.

“There was a fair doubt beforehand that he wouldn’t go on it, but we had to make sure.

“He didn’t really fire on soft ground last year and at least now we know we have to plan his season around the going.

“We don’t have any plans for him yet and we’ll just go home and regroup.

“He won’t be going anywhere the ground is worse than good to soft.”