A total of 32 horses were taken out of the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury next weekend at the first forfeit stage, but top-weight Kauto Star has stood his ground.
Among the withdrawals were Gold Cup runner-up Exotic Dancer, Punchestown Guinness Gold Cup winner Neptune Collonges and the Ferdy Murphy pair of L’Antartique and Another Promise.
Other notable entries who have been taken out include L’Ami, Forget The Past, Turko, Crozan, Gungadu, According To John and Eric’s Charm.
As a result, 54 horses remain in the Grade Three event with the weights set for a steep rise if, as expected, Kauto Star does not take part.