Gold Cup next for Sam Winner

Owner Angela Yeoman says Sam Winner will not run again until the Cheltenham Gold Cup on March 13.

Sam Winner has been in fine form this season with victories at Cheltenham and Aintree but there are no plans for the eight-year-old to compete again until the Festival showpiece in March.

Yeoman is delighted with the Paul Nicholls-trained star’s form and hopes he can come out on top in the Gold Cup.

“He’s really very well and we’re very happy with him,” she is quoted as saying by Sporting Life.

“He’s had a little rest during the winter and is ready to go again.

“He seems to have grown up, which has been really pleasing to watch this season.

“He will not run before Cheltenham but I’ve absolutely no idea who will ride him in the Gold Cup – that’s for Paul to work out.

“It has surprised me how good he has been in the wet, but I really think the deciding point (in the Gold Cup) will be the Cheltenham hill.”