Kyprios injury scare after workmanlike Saval Beg victory

Kyprios was the subject of an injury scare after gaining a third triumph in the Saval Beg Levmoss Stakes at Leopardstown on Friday night.

The outstanding stayer, winner of 17 of his 21 races, was again using the Saval Bag as a stepping stone towards an intended defence of his Gold Cup crown at Royal Ascot next month. 

Kyprios took the prize in workmanlike fashion by a length and a half from Dallas Star at odds of 1-14 and initally all seemed well as he posed for post-race photographs with his connections.

However, Aidan O’Brien revealed to Racing TV’s Gary O’Brien that his star performer subsequently walked away “gingerly”.

The trainer added that the lameness could be “something and nothing” but clearly the days ahead will be pivotal for a horse who has had health issues in the past.

Kyprios is no bigger than 6-5 to win a third Gold Cup, and is as short as 8-11 to gain yet another big-race triumph. 

More to follow…