Taranis stakes Gold claim

Taranis introduced himself as a potential dark horse in Paul Nicholls’ apparently unassailable defence of the Cheltenham Gold Cup by making a successful return from serious injury in the Argento Chase.

Although a Grade Two race in its own right, this was Festival Trials Day at Prestbury Park and an opportunity for Taranis to join the winners of the last three Gold Cups, Kauto Star and Denman, in what may be a five-strong representation from the country’s top stable on March 19.