Brian Hughes 'gutted' as Waiting Patiently's King George meets premature end

Connections of Waiting Patiently were cruelly denied any chance of a dream 32Red King George VI Chase victory as Brian Hughes's mount was stopped in his tracks by faller Bristol De Mai passing the stands for the first time.

The Ruth Jefferson-trained runner, bidding to become Yorkshire's first winner of the race for 33 years, was seemingly going well in the early part of the race, but when Bristol De Mai fell in his path at the ninth fence, in front of the grandstand, the 4-1 second favourite met a premature end to his race through no fault of his own.

Hughes, who was unseated, said: "I'm gutted. He was going well but was just brought to a standstill. He was going and jumping well at the time but it was a mile-and-a-half out so we can't know what was going to happen.

"He got up and seemed fine, which was good, but it was frustrating to be brought down in a big race like that."

Waiting Patiently and the Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained Bristol De Mai were unscathed and it was the first time either had failed to finish a race.

Twiston-Davies said: "Bristol De Mai is up and well and he's all good after the fall. It's disappointing but I think he lost his confidence. It just wasn't his day today but he'll be back."

Coneygree forced a strong gallop early on but unseated rider Sean Bowen at the penultimate fence when well behind, while favourite and last year's winner Might Bite trailed home last of the seven finishers having bled.

Trainer Nicky Henderson tweeted: "After his disappointing run, returning to the 'dope box' my staff discovered a small amount of blood trickling from Might Bite’s nostril, therefore on closer veterinary inspection it was discovered that he unfortunately bled.

"Our main priority is to treat it and train him accordingly. It’s a terrible shame, and the first time it’s happened, but Might Bite’s health is our utmost priority and we’ll keep the situation monitored."

Last year's second and third, Double Shuffle and Tea For Two, finished in front of Might Bite this time, in fifth and sixth respectively.

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