Two years ago one of the leading contenders  for the 2006 Cheltenham Gold Cup was ruled out. That horse has  not seen a racecourse since.

After winning the 2005 Cheltenham Gold Cup in impressive fashion having been ruled out of the race just weeks before, he was supposed to take over the Gold Cup mantle from the aging Best Mate. It’s a shame that he did not get to defend his crown the following year as he was a star in the making.

However, it seems that the talented Kicking King could be back sooner rather than later. He is set to run in the Normans Grove Chase at Fairyhouse, now scheduled for Wednesday after waterlogging claimed the race on Sunday. Even if he is back to his best he will surely come on for the run but it will be very interesting to see how he gets on.

His best form might leave him behind Kauto Star but we all know he is going to hit the deck soon enough in one of these top races. Kicking King is a 33/1 shot in this year’s Gold Cup and that has to be worth an each way bet, if only for old times sake.