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| Staff Writer |
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Courage Mon Ami remains on course for another tilt at the Gold Cup despite missing his intended comeback at Newbury last weekend.
The John and Thady Gosden-trained 6YO has not been seen on a racecourse since his triumph in the Group One staying showpiece at Royal Ascot in 2023, with his career since blighted by a series of minor issues.
Having been set to end a 631-day absence in the Aston Park Stakes, the son of Frankel was a late withdrawal from the Group Three contest, adding further frustration for his connections.
"He's absolutely fine and this horse has never had a serious issue, it is always niggles," said Richard Brown, racing adviser to owners Wathnan Racing.
"He took a bad step and was just a little off behind. We're always super careful so didn't run in the Aston Park and we'll have an investigation and see how he comes out of it."
With the Royal meeting now looming on the horizon, options are becoming limited for the Gold Cup hero to gain some match practice before defending his crown.
"There's a chance he might just have to go straight to Ascot. He's been moving brilliantly, and I saw him at John and Thady's earlier this month and he has never moved better, he trotted past like a show horse, so it was very frustrating to get that call, but these things are sent to test us," Brown added.
"We'll get him through the next week, and it may well be that it is a racecourse gallop before Ascot. Sandown is there as well, but we'll just have to see how he is and how the timings fit."