No Vautour concerns for Mullins

The Cheltenham winner’s comeback victory at Ascot last month was workmanlike rather than spectacular, with his tendency to edge left at several fences considered by many as a major negative as he prepares to tackle another right-handed circuit in the Boxing Day showpiece.

Ireland’s champion trainer was speaking on the day that Coneygree, the reigning Cheltenham Gold Cup champion, was ruled out of the Christmas campaign with a potentially season-ending injury.

This blow – Coneygree was the first novice in 40 years to win steeplechasing’s blue riband – provides an opportunity for Vautour to confirm his status as the pre-eminent chaser on both sides of the Irish Sea.

“I never worry about what’s in the race, I always worry about getting there and just hope for the best,” said Mullins.

“Him jumping left-handed is new, he did it at Ascot but I’ve never noticed it before, it hadn’t been something I’ve worried about.

“I think in a different run race, where he doesn’t have to lead, it wouldn’t be an issue. He hasn’t schooled since but he will do. He’s well able to jump.

“I think he’s very well, he worked very well here yesterday, I’ve had no worry.

“When I saw what he did yesterday I only hope he can repeat that at Kempton.”

As for Coneygree, Mark Bradstock’s stable star suffered what is believed to be slab fractures in both hocks following a workout on Tuesday. He was transported to Newmarket for further veterinary supervision.

The Oxfordshire trainer’s wife and assistant, Sara, said: “He is injured – the Christmas run is out. I’ve just loaded him on to the horsebox myself. He is in no distress and walked on to the box sound. The vets at Newmarket will have a good look at him and we’ll see what they discover – it will be a day or two before we have any news. They’ll probably scan him and we’ll see what the extent of the damage is.

“We know the engine is there, but the long legs that serve him so well on the racecourse are a little bit fragile. Everyone knows I think the world of this horse, which is why we’re being careful. There will be no corners cut. He will be back, but at this stage I can’t tell you when that will be.”

Coneygree missed an intended appearance in last month’s Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury after he suffered an unrelated foot problem.

Coneygree was ridden to Gold Cup glory by Nico de Boinville who said: “Obviously it is very disappointing. That’s horse racing for you, it’s what makes the good days worthwhile.”

Tony McCoy will be honoured with the Lifetime Achievement award at this year’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony in Belfast on Sunday.

The 20-time champion jockey, who retired in April, dominated the National Hunt scene, winning virtually every major prize during his career, including the Grand National, two Gold Cups, three Champion Hurdles and the Champion Chase.

The Ulsterman, who has pipped 1972 Olympic heroine Dame Mary Peters to the accolade, became the first jockey to be crowned Sports Personality of the Year in 2010 after winning the Grand National at the 15th attempt when Don’t Push It struck for trainer Jonjo O’Neill and owner JP McManus.

McCoy, who rode his first winner on Legal Steps at Thurles in March 1992, said: “It’s a huge honour and I’m thrilled to be accepting it so close to home in Belfast.”