Impek Misses George Date

Impek has been ruled out of the Stan James King George VI Chase on St Stephen's Day after suffering from lameness.

Henrietta Knight's 10-year-old was as low as 10-1 in places for the race following his good third to Kicking King in last year's renewal and he had started this season well with victory in the William Hill Gold Cup at Exeter.

However, he then suffered from a muscular problem in his shoulder that interrupted his preparations before his latest setback.

'Impek won't make the King George as he's gone lame again,' said Knight.

'He had been back in full work, but he does go intermittently lame and after his problems, he's going to need a length of time off for it all to come right. I shouldn't think he will run now until the spring.'

In Impek's absence, the popular trainer's hopes of a third King George following the wins of Best Mate and Edredon Bleu will rest with Racing Demon.

Priced at 6-1 third favourite with the sponsors, the highly-rated gelding was last seen decisively winning the Peterborough Chase.

'He was always going to be a runner there, and is in good form,' reported Knight.

? PA Sport