Kicking King is set to run in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, trainer Tom Taaffe has confirmed. The seven-year-old was initially ruled out with illness but Taafe said: "Kicking King will be confirmed on Saturday as a runner in the Gold Cup.
"The horse has surprised as to his well-being since Sunday and seems to have put his problems behind him."
The announcement came hours after it was revealed Best Mate would not run in the race.
Kicking King, who finished second over hurdles at the Festival in 2003 and second in the Arkle Trophy last year, was a 10-1 chance with Ladbrokes on Thursday for the Gold Cup.
MMIX
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