Mullins hails Simenon Gold Cup form

Trainer Willie Mullins is delighted with the form shown by Simenon ahead of his third bid for Ascot Gold Cup glory on June 18.

The seven-year-old narrowly missed out by a neck in the two-and-a-half-mile Group One two years ago, with Queen’s Estimate pipping him to the post, and he ended up with a fourth-placed finish last year.

An injury picked up when winning over hurdles at Tipperary last July sidelined Simenon for a spell, but he showed good promise when a close fifth in the Henry II Stakes on his return to action.

Looking ahead to the Gold Cup, Mullins said: “I’m very happy with him and we’re just concentrating on getting him ready for the Gold Cup now.

“Dry ground would be suitable for him.”