Kandoo Kid might have this season off, says Nicholls

Kandoo Kid could sit out the whole of the 2025-26 season as he continues his recovery from a fall in the Grand National.

Paul Nicholls’ nine-year-old took home Newbury’s feature Coral Gold Cup last term, which saw sights pointed towards Aintree, where he was taking well to the challenge under Harry Cobden before falling at the one before Becher’s on the second circuit.

The damage was done not in the fall itself, but by those coming through behind the Ditcheat inmate, and eager to give his charge plenty of time to recover from that bruising experience, Nicholls is leaning towards a full campaign on the sidelines.

“He’s still a bit sore and I think we’re going to miss this season, although I haven’t decided totally,” said Nicholls.

“He’s getting there and it’s not set in stone, but I’d suspect we’ll miss this year with him.

“I keep saying to Michael (Geoghegan, owner) that it’s a bit hard to come back later in the season, but he could do and could come back for a bet365 Gold Cup or something.

“He was unlucky in the National to fall and then get galloped all over. He’s fine, but we just want to give him plenty of time.”