Tendon injury rules Neptune out for a year

Neptune Collonges will be out of action for a year after suffering an injury in the Gold Cup at Cheltenham.

The Paul Nicholls-trained grey finished fourth behind Kauto Star but has sustained a tendon problem.

Owner John Hales said: "We believe it happened in the race but it didn't show up until a few days after.

"It might have been the reason why he didn't perform at a normal level."

The three-time Grade 1 winner will now be assessed by vets but will not be fit enough to line up in next year's Gold Cup.

"He now has to have his legs looked at by the vets and the appropriate treatment applied," added Hales.

"But it means he'll be off for 12 months, so he'll miss the rest of next season as well."