VAUTOUR WILL NOT run in this year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup, it has been confirmed this morning.
The Willie Mullins-trained seven-year-old was due to take part in Friday’s feature race, but will instead contest the Ryanair Chase on Thursday.
Speaking on Channel Four’s The Morning Line, owner Rich Ricci said: ”Vautour hasn’t been pulling up trees in his work. The Gold Cup is very difficult – even at 90 per cent. We don’t want to ruin him.”
“The Ryanair is the best alternative. It’s a weaker race and not as tough.”
Ricci still has last year’s runner-up Djakadum in the Gold Cup, which will now be ridden by Ruby Walsh.
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