Gold Cup News: Harry camp reveal breathing issues

The Cheltenham Festival / Timeform / 30 January 2012 / Leave a Comment

Diamond Harry may have been suffering from a breathing problem.

"It looks like he will have to have a breathing operation..."

Diamond Harry will be checked out for a possible breathing problem after his run at Cheltenham on Saturday...

The Nick Williams-trained nine-year-old, rated 163 by Timeform, faded into fifth place behind Midnight Chase in the Grade 2 Argento Chase after racing prominently for most of the three-mile contest.

"We are having him investigated for a potential breathing problem by the vet on Tuesday," said owner Paul Duffy.

"I spoke to (jockey) Noel Fehily on Sunday and he said the horse did remarkably well, but felt that he does have a breathing problem.

"Hopefully we will know more and then take it from there.

"The impact on Cheltenham or on anything else we won't know until it's been diagnosed.

"It looks like he will have to have a breathing operation. Noel thought it was quite marked, so we're having it investigated.

"If it is an issue then it gives us more hope when we get it sorted that he can do a bit more next time and see his way up the hill at Cheltenham.

"I think he must have had the same problem at Haydock in the Betfair Chase (when fourth to Kauto Star).

"We won't know how good he is until we get it sorted."

Diamond Harry, winner of last season's Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury, is currently trading at [60.0] for the Gold Cup.