Vautour switches to Ryanair Chase

will not feature in Friday's Gold Cup at having been switched to 's instead.

Trainer had recently stated that he was happy with the form of the seven-year-old gelding, but owner has now confirmed the speculation surrounding the horse on night that there was going to be a change of plan for him.

Speaking to Channel 4's Morning Line on , he revealed that they did not want to throw Vautour into the Gold Cup if he is not in peak shape.

said: “We've said in recent weeks that he hasn't been pulling up trees in his work, but he's been working better lately.

“We've decided now to run him in the Ryanair – he'll be declared in an hour or so.

“I know we talked about whether he would go for the Gold Cup, that's been our intention all year, but it's a very difficult race and if he's only 90 per cent right, then we don't want to ruin the horse.

“We feel the Ryanair is the best alternative. It's not ideal but it's still a great race, it's a Grade One.”

Ricci will still have Djakadam running in his colours in the Gold Cup at the on Friday.

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