British Gold Cup Challenge Weakened as Royale Pagaille’s Participation in Cheltenham Festival Highlight Is in Doubt

The odds for Royale Pagaille’s participation in the festival highlight range from 25-1 to 50-1. Speaking to the Racing Post on Sunday afternoon, Williams expressed uncertainty about the horse’s readiness for the Gold Cup on March 15, stating that he’s quite sore and the team may struggle to get him ready for Cheltenham. While the injury is not career-threatening, the timing poses a challenge. Williams noted that Royale Pagaille was running well in his recent race but was outpaced turning for home. Though the outcome would have been different if he had kept his feet on landing after the last, he was running a good race. The horse is currently at the vet’s, and more information is expected by the end of next week.

Royale Pagaille won the Betfair Chase at Haydock in November, one of the two Grade 1 staying chases held in Britain before the Gold Cup. The other race, the King George VI Chase, was won by Hewick, trained by Shark Hanlon. His Irish counterpart, Galopin Des Champs, is the current favorite to win the Gold Cup for the second consecutive year at even-money odds. The nine-year-old, who previously won the Brown Advisory, recently won Lingfield’s Fleur de Lys Chase after more than a year off. Racing Post offers the best deals in one convenient location.