Trainer Willie Mullins has confirmed that Footpad has been taken out of the Ryanair Gold Cup in favour of racing at Aintree next month, according to a report on the Belfast Telegraph.
The six-year-old was initially set to race on Easter Sunday but was a notable absentee from the confirmed list at Fairyhouse.
Mullins was then quick to point out that Footpad would, in fact, be present in Merseyside for Aintree as he does not want to risk any sort of injury at this crucial stage of the season.
Footpad put in a wonderful display in the Ankle Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival earlier in the month and extended its unbeaten run over fences to four.
When speaking about Footpad, Mullins said:
He is likely to go to Aintree. He’ll probably be entered in the two races but I would imagine it will be the two-mile race.
Even though Footpad is missing the Ryanair Gold Cup, Mullins will still be keeping a close eye on the Ryanair Gold Cup as he still has eight horses participating in the race.
Mullins is hoping that Footpad can use this time to continue preparations for Aintree to give the best possible chance to come away with a victory.
