Kyprios proved himself to be a champion stayer with Ascot Gold Cup win. © Photo Healy Racing
On an afternoon when Ballydoyle unleashed a potential Ascot Gold Cup horse in the shape of impressive Vintage Crop Stakes heroine Emily Dickinson, trainer Aidan O'Brien had an update on the progress of current champion stayer Kyprios.
Speaking on RacingTV in the aftermath of the Navan race, O'Brien said: "We are hoping to get him back walking in the next week or so and take it from there. He's walking around the box at the moment.
"When he starts doing exercise outside and it settles down we'll be ok but if not we won't take any chance with him because he's too important a horse."
Kyprios made a winning return in the Vintage Crop Stakes last season, before going on to remain unbeaten for the entire campaign. The undoubted highlight of his six wins was the prestigious Ascot Gold Cup at the royal meeting in June.
An infection in his joint delayed the five-year-old's comeback this term and connections now face a race against time to have him ready to defend his crown.
