Sizing John to miss Gold Cup

DEFENDING champion Sizing John has been ruled out of the Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup a week today because of a pelvic injury. The eight-year-old had not run since a disappointing outing at Leopardstown’s Christmas meeting but was still 6-1 second favourite to retain his crown. Sizing John won last year’s race by two-and-three-quarter lengths from Minella Rocco. Meanwhile, Ruby Walsh returned from a broken leg to ride Lareena to a five-length victory at Thurles yesterday.