Trainer expects Kings Grey response

Trainer Phil Kirby has confirmed Kings Grey will head to the Galway Festival despite being pulled up at Southwell.

Kings Grey had been the odds-on favourite at Southwell earlier this month under returning jockey Brian Toomey, who was making his first competitive appearance since a serious head injury, but he failed to finish the race.

The North Yorkshire handler admits they are still unsure what happened at Southwell but he says the 11-year-old is “fine” and will head to Galway later this month.

“It always was part of the plan to go to Galway,” he said.

“We weren’t sure after what happened at Southwell, but the horse seems absolutely fine.

“Nothing came to light, so we’re hoping he just had an off-day – I hope that’s the case as it’s a long way back from Galway otherwise!

“There are a couple of races over fences he could run in, so we’ll see where we are nearer the time.”