Cotswold Chase the next target for Bristol De Mai after ulcer diagnosis

The connections of 32Red King George VI Chase flop Bristol De Mai have been offered a possible explanation for his tame display after medical tests showed he may have been suffering from a long-standing ulcer condition at Kempton.

The devastating Betfair Chase winner finished a 26-length sixth in the King George, prompting bookmakers to extend the mud-loving grey's Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup odds out to 25-1.

Prior to tackling the festival showpiece – in which he crossed the line seventh last season – the seven-year-old could line up on January 27 in the BetBright Trial Cotswold Chase.

"He had some quite deep-set ulcers," said trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies.

"It's not the first time but they have definitely got worse. A lot of horses have them. The ulcers bother some but not others. Maybe because he's so good he's also a bit more delicate.

"It's a possible explanation for the way he ran but he basically didn't turn up on the day for whatever reason. Everyone could see it wasn't the real him at Kempton as he was stuffed so far out."

Twiston-Davies added: "I would love to bring him to the Cotswold Chase if the ulcers are right."

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