Coneygree misses King George after poor workout

Coneygree misses the 32Red King George VI Chase after working unsatisfactorily on Saturday, Sara Bradstock has announced.

Bradstock said that "it wasn't worth taking the risk" and that he would now not run again until the new year, but that a bid at taking the Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup for a second time next March remained firmly on the cards.

In his absence, Cue Card's odds to win the King George for the second consecutive year have understandably hardened, with Sky Bet cutting his price from 5/4 to 4/5 and Thistlecrack now just 11/4 despite his participation still being to be confirmed.

"He didn't work well on Saturday and he's just not right," said Bradstock's wife and assistant, Sara.

"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 returned from a year off the track last month when second to Cue Card in the Betfair Chase at Haydock and a rematch between the two over Christmas had been greatly anticipated.

News of Coneygree's departure from the contest prompted Nicky Henderson to confirm on Twitter that Josses Hill would be supplemented into the line-up this week at a cost of £10,000.

However, connections of Thistlecrack said the news would have no impact over whether or not they would be lining up in the race.

John Snook, who owns the horse with his wife, Heather, said: "It makes no difference whatsoever. I've heard about Coneygree, which is a shame for them.

"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."