Diamond Harry on course for Gold Cup after op

CONNECTIONS of Diamond Harry, a general 33-1 chance for next month's Cheltenham Gold Cup, are hoping a recent wind operation can see the nine-year-old bounce back to form when he takes on Kauto Star and Long Run on March 16.

After being soundly beaten in two runs this season, the Nick Williams-trained chaser was diagnosed with a loose soft palate and underwent surgery to correct the problem on February 1.

 

According to owner Paul Duffy, the operation was a success and the plan remains to run in the GoldCup. Quoted on Diamond Harry's official Facebook page, Duffy said: "The operation went okay and he's recovered well. It was just a minor wind op on his soft palate .

"He's back doing a bit of walking. I know he's had his preparation interrupted but he wouldn't have been doing that much at this stage. Obviously we won't know for sure if it's worked but we're going to have a go at the Gold Cup."

Duffy hopes Noel Fehily, who reported that Diamond Harry was having difficulty breathing when fifth behind Midnight Chase in the Argento Chase at Cheltenham, will renew his association with the horse in the Gold Cup.