Major Doubt Over Compliance Gold Bid

In Compliance looks almost certain to miss the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup as trainer Michael O'Brien is unhappy with the horse's condition.

The seven-year-old, owned by Sean Mulryan and a 9-1 chance with the sponsors, has not raced since beating last season's Gold Cup hero War Of Attrition at Punchestown in December.

'I've got to confirm it with the owner, but he's more than likely not going to go,' said the Naas handler.

'I'm not that happy with him. He doesn't seem to be firing.

'I'm not sure what we'll do, but we'll probably wait for the Punchestown Festival in April or something like that.'

The owner and trainer have another Gold Cup entry in Forget The Past, who was third 12 months ago, but he has an alternative objective at the Festival.

'It's more likely that he'll run in the Ryanair,' added O'Brien.

(C) PA Sport