Katchit to take a break

King opts to draw stumps with Champion Hurdler

Last updated: 1st January 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Katchit Champion Hurdle

Katchit: Taking a break
However, I do think he's still in the mix for the Champion. He's just not firing at the moment, but that can change.

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Alan King has revealed that Katchit will be given a break from training as part of his build-up to the defence of his Champion Hurdle crown.

The five-year-old has run below par on all three outings this season and his trainer has decided to freshen him up in an attempt to regain top form.

"Katchit will leave the yard shortly to be given a month's break at an away destination to freshen him up," said King.

"I blame myself for running him at Wincanton. I wanted to give him some match practice but in hindsight it wasn't the greatest move.

"However, I do think he's still in the mix for the Champion. He's just not firing at the moment, but that can change."

Major target

King also had news on Voy Por Ustedes, who finished a gallant third behind Kauto Star on his first attempt at three miles in the King George VI Chase.

"He'll have one more outing before Cheltenham which will either be the Ascot Chase over two miles three or the Game Spirit," he added.

"I have slight doubts as to whether he's as good going right-handed and at the end of the day his major target will be back at Aintree in April.

"He'll either run in the Ryanair Chase or the Queen Mother Chase at the Festival."