Cheltenham visit off the agenda for French raider Gold Tweet

Gabriel Leenders has said Gold Tweet will not undertake a raiding mission to the Cheltenham Festival next week.

The eight-year-old is no stranger to a UK audience and was a surprise winner of the Cleeve Hurdle on Festival Trials day in 2023 before returning to Cheltenham for a shot at that year’s Stayers’ Hurdle, finishing eighth.

More recently he was seen finishing fourth in November’s Betfair Chase at Haydock, showing up well for a long way in the Grade One event won by Royale Pagaille.

He was handed three entries for the Festival by his French handler and was listed as short as 8-1 in the betting for the Ultima, while he also had the option of the Coral Cup or a second shot at the Paddy Power-backed Stayers’ Hurdle.

However, a change in thinking means he will no longer make the journey to Prestbury Park.

“Gold Tweet will not run at the Cheltenham, we will stay in France for the programme in France,” said Leenders.

“I have changed my plans since I made the entries.”