Coneygree out of King George

Coneygree will not run in the 32Red King George VI Chase after disappointing connections in a workout.

The 2015 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner failed to sparkle in a gallop on Saturday morning with Sara Bradstock, wife of trainer Mark, admitting he was 'not 100 per cent'.

Rather than risk sending him to Kempton, connections have decided to give him a break before making a decision on whether to give him a run before the Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup in March.

"He didn't work well on Saturday and he's just not right," Sara Bradstock said. "I just know he's not himself. We're not taking any risks. He is fragile and we want him to be completely on song when he runs.

"We'll obviously take veterinary advice and then I'm sure the horse will tell us when he's right again.

"I know every breath he takes, I know every step he takes, I know exactly how he is and he's just not feeling good.

"We'll still hopefully on for the Gold Cup, and maybe something before that."

Coneygree was unable to defend his Gold Cup crown in March after suffering a season-ending injury in December and he only returned to the track last month, finishing second to Cue Card in the Betfair Chase at Haydock.

Meanwhile, connections of Thistlecrack insist news of Coneygree's absence will not have any bearing on whether or not the Ladbrokes World Hurdle winner lines up in the St Stephen's Day showpiece.

Thistlecrack has enjoyed an unbeaten start to his career over fences but he could find himself up against seasoned staying chasers in the King George.

"It makes no difference whatsoever. I've heard about Coneygree, which is a shame for them," owner John Snook said of Coneygree's defection.

"We do know, though, that the Bradstocks will do the best for their horse and think the world of him - just like we do with Thistlecrack.

"I'll speak to Colin at some point, but the one thing about racing is that if you plan too far ahead, it can kick you in the teeth.

"The most important thing is to make sure the horse is sound and well and we get to Kempton on Boxing Day, one way or another.

"I'm looking forward to whichever way we go. I'm very lucky to have such a nice horse."

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