Sizing John to miss Cheltenham

JESSICA HARRINGTON has been dealt a “massive blow” with reigning Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Sizing John ruled out of next Friday’s showpiece after suffering a hairline fracture to his pelvis yesterday.

The eight-year-old, which had been a 6/1 shot to become the first horse since Best Mate to retain the blue riband, picked up the injury at Harrington’s Commonstown Stables and will miss the rest of the season.

“He cantered as normal this morning but Robbie (Power) rode him and felt that he wasn’t quite right. During routine checks he was found to be sore behind,” Harrington said last night.

“I’ve had our vet check him over and he found a hairline non-displaced fracture of his pelvis.

“This is a massive blow for the Potts family (owners) and all our team.”

Sizing John’s absence means that Power switches to Harrington’s other runner Our Duke (7/1) with Nicky Henderson’s Might Bite cut to 3/1 favourite.