God's Own back for more as Waiting Patiently misses Haldon Gold Cup

Waiting Patiently has been ruled out of his scheduled comeback in the Coral Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter on Tuesday with a dirty scope.

Winner of the Grade 1 Betfair Ascot Chase in 2018, Waiting Patiently was set to drop back in trip in the 2m1½f Grade 2 handicap (2.10), for which six declarations have been made, before trainer Ruth Jefferson revealed news of the setback.

God's Own will bid for a third victory in the race against Janika, Lalor, Dolos, Charbel and Destrier.

Haldon Gold Cup card

The 11-year-old was successful last year and in 2014 for trainer Tom George, who also won the Haldon Gold Cup with Sir Valentino in 2016.

Quoted on his website, George said: "He might be getting on a bit but he seems in great form. He's been a grand horse for his owners The Crossed Fingers Partnership and he showed he can still mix it with the best when ending last season by finishing third behind Altior, beaten only five and a half lengths in the Grade 1 Celebration Chase at Sandown.

"As usual, Paddy Brennan rides God's Own, so we're hopeful of a big run in a race we've been lucky enough to win three times in the last five years."

Lalor, who disappointed after making a sensational chasing debut at Cheltenham last November, makes his seasonal debut for trainer Kayley Woollacott and jockey Richard Johnson.

Coral Haldon Gold Cup runners

1. Janika (trainer: Nicky Henderson)
2. God's Own (Tom George)
3. Dolos (Paul Nicholls)
4. Charbel (Kim Bailey)
5. Destrier (Dan Skelton)
6. Lalor (Kayley Woollacott)

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