Ruby Walsh has played down Kauto Star’s chances of winning the Gold Cup at next week’s Cheltenham Festival.
Kauto Star is struggling to be fit for the race but Walsh does not think he can win the Gold Cup anyway and has tipped Long Run to be victorious.
The jockey said: “I hope Kauto Star gets there 100 per cent but, whether he’ll win or not, he’ll be a great ride.
“Realistically, I think over that trip, Long Run will be very hard to beat. It’s not Cheltenham that suits Long Run, it’s the trip.”
Long Run is 11/8 with bookmaker to win the Gold Cup while Kauto Star is available at 7/2.