Skip to content

Gerri Colombe ruled out for the season after suffering setback, trainer Gordon Elliott reveals

Gerri Colombe to miss big engagements after suffering setback; trainer Gordon Elliott: "It's not career ending or especially serious but it's come at the wrong time of the season so we're going to have to rule him out of the spring festivals"

Gerri Colombe has been ruled out for the season
Image: Gerri Colombe has been ruled out for the season

Gordon Elliott has been forced to rule his star staying chaser Gerri Colombe out for the rest of the season.

Last year's Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up and Aintree Bowl winner has not been seen since disappointing on his reappearance at Down Royal in early November, when he finished only third behind Envoi Allen in his bid for back-to-back victories in the Ladbrokes Champion Chase.

Get racing news on your phone
Get racing news on your phone

Never miss a story with all the latest racing news, interviews and features on your phone. Find out more

Since then he has missed several possible engagements, with Elliott stating he was not 100 per cent happy with the nine-year-old but that he hoped he would have him back at concert pitch for the major festivals in the spring.

However, those hopes have been dashed after the Robcour-owned gelding suffered a setback which means he will not return until the autumn at the earliest.

In a statement posted on his website, Elliott said: "Unfortunately Gerri Colombe has met with a setback which means he will not run again this season.

Follow Sky Sports Racing on Twitter
Follow Sky Sports Racing on Twitter

See the latest horse racing news, interviews and features from Sky Sports Racing

"It's not career ending or especially serious but it's come at the wrong time of the season so we're going to have to rule him out of the spring festivals.

Latest Racing Stories

"It's a big blow for ourselves and the Robcour team but we will concentrate on getting him right for next season when hopefully all roads will lead back to the Gold Cup."