First Gold to miss Cheltenham

29 January 2002

A leg injury has sidelined First Gold for the rest of the season

First Gold, one time favourite for the Cheltenham Gold Cup, has suffered a leg injury and will miss the rest of theseason.

The French-trained gelding, brilliant winner of the 2000 King George V1 Chase at Kempton, is unlikely to be able to run again until next autumn.

“I have got to hold his programme as he has a problem with his leg that must get sorted out,” said trainer Francois Doumen.

“The trouble has got progressively worse over recent weeks and I have got to stop his training. He will be out until next season.”

• Click here to read how First Gold won the King George VI Chase in on Boxing Day 2000.
• Click here to read about Marcus Armytage’s horse of a lifetime.

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