Sizing John To Miss Gold Cup With Fractured Pelvis

Trainer Jessica Harrington has tweeted this evening that her reigning Gold Cup Champion Sizing John will miss next week's race.

The trainer wrote: "It is with a heavy heart that I have to announce that Sizing John will miss next weeks Cheltenham Gold Cup more news to follow"

Jessia Harrington then issued a statement via her Unibet blog stating: "He cantered as normal this morning at Commonstown and during routine checks this afternoon was found to be sore behind.

"I have had our vet Mark McRedmond come and check him over. He has found a hairline non-displaced fracture of his pelvis. He will have box rest for two weeks and then be re-scanned with a view of starting walking exercise . This is a massive blow for the Potts family and for all our team here at Commonstown".

It is with a heavy heart that I have to announce that Sizing John will miss next weeks Cheltenham Gold Cup more news to follow pic.twitter.com/RRA3iJdvGP

— Jessica Harrington (@Jessica_Racing) March 8, 2018

Jockey Robbie Power also tweeted: "Heartbreaking to get the call from @Jessica_Racing this evening with the news the Sizing John won't return to challenge for his Gold Cup next week. We're all very disappointed but don't worry, he'll be back!"