‘The Don’ is retired

● Last year’s Gold Cup winner won’t defend his crown

The Cheltenham Gold Cup was dealt another blow yesterday when it was revealed last season’s hero Don Cossack had been retired – just two hours before the entries for this year’s race were formally announced.

Not seen since lifting the blue riband last March, trainer Gordon Elliott had been happy with the 10-year-old’s recovery and only recently said he was on course to return to action next month before defending his crown. However, connections always insisted he would be retired if he met with any further complications and their worst fears were realised after Don Cossack developed heat in one of his legs.

Owner Michael O’leary said: “Gordon left no stone unturned to help Don Cossack return to defend his title but alas it is not to be.

“At the age of 10 we are all agreed that the best thing for ‘The Don’ is a well-earned and very well-pampered retirement in Gigginstown.”

The news comes just days after 2015 winner Coneygree was ruled out of the race as he continues to recover from a setback.

Elliott still has four possible contenders in Don Poli, Empire Of Dirt, Outlander and Roi Des Francs.

Ante-post favourite Thistlecrack is one of five possible runners for trainer Colin Tizzard amongst a total of 39 entries for the Gold Cup on 17 March. Cue Card, Native River, Alary and Theatre Guide also feature for the Dorset handler.

Meanwhile, Nimr signed off 2016 with a win at Wolverhampton and can pick up where he left off in the sunbets. co.uk Handicap.

Related to some decent types, Nimr has yet to really hit his stride but did perform with credit in a couple of sales races at Newmarket last term.

He seemed to thrive for the switch back to six furlongs at Wolverhampton after being upped to a mile, with a gelding op also helping.

Nimr looked to have a fair bit in the tank as he saw off Upavon by a neck and seems just the type that Richard Fahey can have some fun with through the coming months.