Ruby Walsh rode Kauto Star to victory in the 2007 Gold Cup

The defending Gold Cup champion was found to have a back foot problem but vets drained pus and cleared up a small infection on Sunday morning.

Kauto Star will take on stable-mate Denman in the 14 March Gold Cup.

"Panic 100% over," trainer Paul Nicholls told 5 Live racing correspondent Cornelius Lysaght.

Feature: The team behind Kauto Star

Nicholls added: "It's basically pus in his foot. Once the vet and my head lad had released that he was virtually sound.

606: DEBATE Phew - looks like the Gold Cup showdown between Kauto Star and Denman is back on RH

"We were quite confident last night as we took his shoe off and that instantly relieved him a bit, so we thought that was what the problem was."

Some bookmakers had suspended betting on the Gold Cup after rumours began circulating following Kauto Star's impressive victory in the Commercial First Ascot Chase on Saturday that the eight-year-old had suffered a sprained fetlock.

But Nicholls said: "After a quiet 48 hours, which he would have had anyway [after his win at Ascot], he should be fine.

"He is back on course to defend his crown next month."