Imperial denied King George entry Nigel Twiston-Davies has expressed his disappointment that the British Horseracing Authority didn't re-open the King George VI Chase, allowing him to enter Gold Cup hero Imperial Commander. The ten-year-old wasn't put into the race originally after his preparation was interrupted by an infection. Kempton's St Stephen's Day highlight was lost to snow, however, and Twiston Davies says he would have run his star chaser on the rescheduled date of January 15th, setting up a fascinating duel with Kauto Star. "We were hoping to go for the rearranged King George but they (the BHA) wouldn't allow us to put him in," he told sportinglife.com. "I think it's quite ridiculous that they haven't reopened that race and the Christmas Hurdle. "It helps us on one hand with Khyber Kim as no new horses come in to face him, but on the other hand it's not been constructive for Imperial Commander. "If they had reopened it at the six day stage then we could have supplemented Imperial Commander and we would have had a better race. It would have been much more exciting if he had been there. "There's no rule they (the BHA) have to follow - they just didn't want that. "It will be a much weaker race than it could have been," he added. Imperial Commander made a winning return to action at Haydock in November before picking up an infection which disrupted plans. "He's fine – 100%. There's a long time to go till the Gold Cup so we'll just wind him up slowly, there's no rush," added Twiston Davies.
