Reigning Gold Cup champion Coneygree has been given the go-ahead to take part in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury this weekend.
His participation had been in doubt following the news that he had spread a plate but after pleasing gallop on Sunday morning, trainer Mark Bradstock is more than happy to run him.
The son of Plaid Maid is due to shoulder top weight in the 3m 2f contest and attempts to become the first horse since Denman in 2009 to carry 11st 12lb to victory.
The trainers wife told the media; “I’m very happy this morning. He worked very well, I rode him myself and he seems to be flying, so it’s all systems go.”
“It was obviously quite painful, but he only actually missed two days and I couldn’t have been more delighted with him this morning – he worked absolutely fantastic.”
Despite the positive reports Sarah Bradstock sounded a note of caution.
“We’re not totally out of the woods as there is always a chance a bit of pus might come out of the foot at some stage in the next day or two.
“I’m not promising there is no chance he won’t run next week, but everything looks very good at the moment.”
Coneygree already boasts two victories at the Berkshire venue, in the Grade 2 Denman Chase and a novice chase in which he beat Hennessy co-favourite Saphir Du Rheu.
Coneygree is 4/1 to maintain his unbeaten record over fences and claim the Hennessy Gold Cup crown.
