Cyrname recovering from Ascot fall

Relieved trainer Paul Nicholls will give Cyrname a break after the star steeplechaser fell at the last fence in the Ascot Chase.

Nicholls described his feelings when Cyrname got to his feet as the “the biggest winner of the day”.

The 4-11 favourite, Cyrname was well beaten when he crashed out – and the Ascot crowd feared the worst as the screens were erected.

Cyrname gradually returned to his feet, prompting a cheer from the watching racegoers, before walking back to the stables.

“I was fairly confident in my mind that he was winded – because on that ground, when they get to the bottom, they are going to be tired,” Nicholls said.

“The vets have done a great job. He got up, and it is brilliant.

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“What a reception from the crowd – it just goes to show how much everyone cares.

“That was the biggest winner of the day.

“It just shows you what people think of the horses. Moments like that show how precious they are not just to us, but to everybody.”

Cyrname was trying to get back on the winning trail following his second place in the King George at Christmas, having ended Altior’s 19-race unbeaten streak over obstacles at Ascot on his seasonal return.

Nicholls said Cyrname would not race again this season as he feels he is below his best.

“We want to leave it for the season and go back to the drawing board. There is something missing, but I don’t quite know what it is,” he said.

“He has always had wind issues, which would be made worse on that ground, and it may be something as simple that. We may need to re-cauterise his palate.”