Kicking King to miss Gold Cup
Kicking King will not contest the Cheltenham Gold Cup after straining a tendon during his winning performance in the King George on Boxing Day.
Initially trainer Tom Taaffe believed that the gelding had suffered a knock during the race at Sandown Park, but a scan confirmed that the damage was more serious than initially thought. The horse will not race again this season, although hopes are high that he will return to the track in time for the 2007 Gold Cup.
“The injury is to the upper third of the tendon, which is good news in terms of recovery,” said Taffe. “The 2007 Gold Cup is the target now.”
Kicking King worked hard at Sandown on Boxing Day to win the King George Chase by a neck, ahead of Monkerhostin and Impek. The highly fancied Kingscliff produced a disappointing performance and never really featured in the race after twisting a shoe.
The loss of both Kicking King and Best Mate from the Gold Cup leaves a depleted field in which Beef Or Salmon is the favourite, with Kingscliff close behind in the betting.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.