Now I know they never come back etc etc but Tom Taaffe has done really well by this horse and has generally been exceptionally honest and forthright regarding his well being and come back. So it is encouraging to see him talk so confidently ahead of what is a make or break race for Kicking King on Wednesday. Wouldn't it be wonderful to see a display of his previous best and put the King George of 2008 back on the programme for next season. I know it's unlikely but I for one will be rooting for him on Wednesday (and Beefy to get home safe and sound- why in Gods name are they doing this).
'REAL' KING READY TO GO FOR GOLD
By Thomas Deane, PA Sport
Tom Taaffe believes Punchestown racegoers will see the "real Kicking King" in action when he lines up for Wednesday's Guinness Gold Cup.
The former Cheltenham Gold Cup winner missed this year's Festival at Prestbury Park as he was failing to sparkle beforehand, but is back in top shape for another crack at a race he won in 2005.
"He's great and his preparation has been uninterrupted," said Taaffe.
"He's in great form, he looks well and we're very much looking forward to Wednesday.
"The only reason he missed Cheltenham was that he just wasn't sparkling and I couldn't get him to fire at the time so we had to be patient.
"He's a livewire for next week and you'll see the real Kicking King.
"The only place you can really tell is on the racetrack but he's looking well, eating well and working very well.
"He's giving the right vibes and his eyes are big and bright," he told At The Races.
Kicking King features among the 15 horses engaged, along with last year's winner Neptune Collonges and Ryanair Chase runner-up Mossbank.
Other interesting possibles include Cloudy Lane, Mister Top Notch and Beef Or Salmon, who is set to bring down the curtain on his tremendous career.
William Hill's Irish spokesman Tony Kenny said: "Neptune Collonges looks like he'll be the one to beat on Wednesday.
"On all known form he's entitled to be favourite for the race and I wouldn't be too surprised if he went off around even-money.
"Beef Or Salmon's best years have been and gone and it would be a massive surprise if he won the race.
"However, he is a massive favourite with the punters, and we're expecting to see a good bit of sentimental money for the old fella on Wednesday."
'REAL' KING READY TO GO FOR GOLD
By Thomas Deane, PA Sport
Tom Taaffe believes Punchestown racegoers will see the "real Kicking King" in action when he lines up for Wednesday's Guinness Gold Cup.
The former Cheltenham Gold Cup winner missed this year's Festival at Prestbury Park as he was failing to sparkle beforehand, but is back in top shape for another crack at a race he won in 2005.
"He's great and his preparation has been uninterrupted," said Taaffe.
"He's in great form, he looks well and we're very much looking forward to Wednesday.
"The only reason he missed Cheltenham was that he just wasn't sparkling and I couldn't get him to fire at the time so we had to be patient.
"He's a livewire for next week and you'll see the real Kicking King.
"The only place you can really tell is on the racetrack but he's looking well, eating well and working very well.
"He's giving the right vibes and his eyes are big and bright," he told At The Races.
Kicking King features among the 15 horses engaged, along with last year's winner Neptune Collonges and Ryanair Chase runner-up Mossbank.
Other interesting possibles include Cloudy Lane, Mister Top Notch and Beef Or Salmon, who is set to bring down the curtain on his tremendous career.
William Hill's Irish spokesman Tony Kenny said: "Neptune Collonges looks like he'll be the one to beat on Wednesday.
"On all known form he's entitled to be favourite for the race and I wouldn't be too surprised if he went off around even-money.
"Beef Or Salmon's best years have been and gone and it would be a massive surprise if he won the race.
"However, he is a massive favourite with the punters, and we're expecting to see a good bit of sentimental money for the old fella on Wednesday."
