Coneygree in good shape after thrilling Cheltenham crowd with comeback effort

Mark Bradstock reported on Sunday that early indications were Coneygree had pulled through Saturday's comeback run at Cheltenham without any signs of the injuries that have dogged him since landing the 2015 Gold Cup.

Coneygree put up a bold show under top weight in the 3m3½f handicap chase, leading the field until running down to the last on what was only the 11-year-old's sixth start since his coronation in the Gold Cup as a novice.

Members can watch a replay of Coneygree's return to action here

"He’s fine, understandably a bit stiff, but essentially he’s okay," Bradstock told Racing UK’s Luck On Sunday. "I think his run yesterday put a few people back in their box. I never considered retirement because mentally he is still in a very good place.

"One has to be very careful, but we are the last people who would ever put a horse in a position that was detrimental to their health and well being."

Coneygree jumped excellently at Cheltenham on SaturdayCredit: Edward Whitaker

An attempt at the 32Red King George VI Chase at Kempton next month, a race he has had to miss the last two years, could be next for Coneygree after this performance.

He was given a hero's reception on his way back to the spot reserved for third after finishing six-and-a-quarter lengths back from Rock The Kasbah.

But for a horse that has proved fragile ever since his novice hurdling days, the Bradstocks must have feared what they might find the day after such an effort on his first start since being pulled up in last December's Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury.

"We’ll take it hour-by-hour with him," said Bradstock. "My wife [Sara] spends an awful lot of time with him and I have to give a lot of the credit to her."

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