Cheekpieces likely for Long Run Jockey Sam Waley-Cohen reports it to be "very likely" Long Run will wear cheekpieces in the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup. The eight-year-old won the Festival feature in 2011 but endured a disappointing campaign last term, being beaten twice by Kauto Star before having to settle for third behind Synchronised in the Gold Cup. Trainer Nicky Henderson looks to have brought him back to top form this season though, with Long Run landing a second King George title on Boxing Day. However, Henderson is keen for Long Run to be fully focussed in the closing stages of the Gold Cup and decided to school his charge in the headgear as an experiment. Big-race rider Waley-Cohen reports the test to be a success and believes the cheekpieces could be fitted on the big day. He tweeted: "Great morning at Seven Barrows. All very happy. Cheek pieces highly likely. #goldcup."
