Goshen has been withdrawn from Saturday’s Elite Hurdle at Wincanton due to a combination of an unsatisfactory scope and quick ground.
The Gary Moore-trained four-year-old had been due to make his seasonal reappearance over hurdles in the Grade Two race after having two previous prep runs over the Flat in recent weeks.
The son of Authorized certainly has proven pedigree after winning his first three events over hurdles, although he did infamously unseat jockey Jamie Moore in last season’s Triumph at the Cheltenham Festival when he appeared to have the race at his mercy.
However, it has now been confirmed by trainer Moore that the Steven Packham-owned gelding has been pulled from Saturday’s race and his return to action is instead expected to come at Ascot later this month.
Moore said: “He’ll go to Ascot in a few weeks’ time, that would be the next alternative. Wincanton is a very fast track, it’s been pretty quick round there just lately and I didn’t want to take any chances.”
Goshen’s withdrawal from the race means that 2016 Elite Hurdle winner Sceau Royal will instead head the field of six for trainer Alan King.
