Dancer Doubts For Gold Bid

Exotic Dancer has suffered a minor setback, which has "raised some doubt about his participation" in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.

However, connections of the eight-year-old, who chased home Kauto Star in last season´s blue riband, are still hoping he could make the line-up on March 14.

In a statement issued to PA Sport, Barry Simpson, racing manager to owner Sir Robert Ogden, said: "I have spoken with Jonjo O´Neill this morning following reports in today´s newspapers.

"Exotic Dancer has been treated by a chiropractor regularly since he damaged a ligament in his back in January and has been under constant veterinary supervision. On a routine visit yesterday, it was found the horse was sore in his lumbar region.

"Exotic Dancer spent some time in the swimming pool late Tuesday evening and Jonjo felt the horse was much more comfortable afterwards and he reiterates the horse is sound this morning.

"Exotic Dancer will continue in swimming exercise and will be closely monitored over the next 48 hours."

Simpson went on to express his disappointment after Exotic Dancer worked well at home over the weekend.

The statement continued: "The horse is at a crucial stage in his preparation for the Cheltenham Gold Cup and although this is a minor setback, the timing of this could not be worse.

"With now only 15 days to the Gold Cup, any work missed is critical and this now raises some doubt about his participation.

"This has come as a hammer blow as it was only last Saturday Jonjo reported to me the horse had worked exceptionally well that morning.

"I have discussed this with Sir Robert this morning, who is currently away in the Far East, and as you would imagine he was extremely disappointed to receive the news.

"However, he always takes a view that the welfare of his horses is paramount.

"We are currently discussing the situation with Sir Robert´s veterinary advisors and every possible treatment will be explored to have the horse ready in time for his race."

(C) PA Sport