Cheltenham Gold Cup hope Our Duke undergoes back operation

Harrington believes a back problem contributed to the seven-year-old's disappointing return at Down Royal, when he beat just one horse in the JNwine.com Champion Chase on November 4.

His trainer told Racing UK: "He had an operation and hopefully he'll be back for the Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown at the beginning of February.

"He also scoped dirty after the race (at Down Royal) but the fact he never jumped a fence was probably more down to the back problem."

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