Superstar Allaho to miss King George after suffering setback

Superstar chaser Allaho will miss the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day after it emerged he had met a setback in his preparations.

The four-time Grade 1 winner, trained by Willie Mullins, had been 11-8 ante-post favourite with race sponsors Ladbrokes, but impressive Charlie Hall winner Bravemansgame is now the new market leader at a best-priced 5-4.

The eight-year-old Allaho, a brilliant winner of the last two Ryanair Chases at the Cheltenham Festival, was last seen on a racecourse when landing the Punchestown Gold Cup by 14 lengths in April.

He had been due to return this month and the Clonmel Oil Chase on November 17 had been mentioned by Mullins as a possible starting point before heading to the King George.

Owners Cheveley Park Stud are still set to have representation in the King George thanks to Envoi Allen, who bounced back to form with victory in Down Royal's Grade 1 Champion Chase last weekend.

Richard Thompson, director of Cheveley Park Stud, told Sky Sports Racing: "We have had a great run with these horses but these things happen. Envoi will go for the King George."

Paddy Power spokesperson Paul Binfield said: "It's very disappointing for connections that Allaho has been ruled out. As a result, Bravemansgame, who jumped very well in the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby, is now our even-money favourite, with three Irish horses next in the market."

After proving himself unbeatable over two and a half miles, Allaho’s Punchestown Gold Cup win was his first attempt at three miles since being beaten 20 lengths by A Plus Tard in the 2020 Savills Chase.

He earned a Racing Post Rating of 181 for that latest performance and is the second highest rated jumps horse in training, behind only A Plus Tard.

According to reports, Allaho remains on course to challenge for a third Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham in March, with the setback not thought to be serious.

King George VI Chase (December 26, Kempton)

Paddy Power: Evens Bravemansgame, 9-2 Envoi Allen, 7 Tornado Flyer, Galopin Des Champs, L’Homme Presse, 10 Frodon, 12 Protektorat, 20 bar

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