Samcro blow for Cheltenham but ‘Percy’ on track for Gold
THERE was mixed news on the Cheltenham front yesterday as Gold Cup favourite Presenting Percy was reported to be in rude health by trainer Pat Kelly, but last year’s winning ‘banker’ Samcro was ruled out of the Festival.
An impressive winner of last year’s Day Two opener, things have not gone to plan for Samcro and he was found to be suffering a lung infection after finishing fifth at Leopardstown over Christmas.
Reports of late had been more upbeat, but while trainer Gordon Elliott had been considering a step up to three miles for the Stayers’ Hurdle having already ruled out a crack at the Champion Hurdle, the Michael O’Leary-owned gelding will now bypass the meeting.
“Unfortunately, we are going to have to skip Cheltenham with Samcro,” the trainer told his Betfair blog. “He’s in very good form and I’m pleased with how he has been doing in his work over the last few weeks. However, Cheltenham is just going to come a week or two too soon.
“At the best of times you’ve got to be absolutely spot on for Cheltenham and while Samcro is in very good shape, myself, Michael and Eddie (O’Leary) feel that the right thing to do by horse is to give him more time.”
According to Elliott, there is “every chance” that Samcro could run this season at Aintree or Punchestown while he confirmed the seven-yearold will go chasing next season.