John Dance’s share of Bravemansgame sold to Bryan Drew with star stayer free to race at Punchestown
BRAVEMANSGAME will be free to run at Punchestown after the King George winner was sold into the sole ownership of Bryan Drew.
The Paul Nicholls-trained star was barred from running in last month's Aintree Bowl following a last-minute court order but that has now been lifted.
Former fellow owner John Dance is under investigation by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), prompting the sale.
A BHA statement on Monday read: "The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has today informed the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) that it has agreed to the sale, following an independent valuation, of Mr Dance’s 50% share of Bravemansgame.
"The gelding was previously owned in partnership by John Dance and Bryan Drew, and has now been sold into the sole ownership of Bryan Drew.
"As a result Bravemansgame is now able to be declared for races, including the Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup at Punchestown on Wednesday."
As a result, Bravemansgame will run in the orange silks of Drew on Wednesday, the same silks he wore when winning the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day.
Bravemansgame will now renew rivalry with Galopin Des Champs in Wednesday's Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup.
said: "It’s brilliant that he has been cleared to run at Punchestown after issues beyond our control led to him missing Aintree.
"The extra 12 days since Cheltenham can only be a positive for Bravemansgame who ran the race of his life against Galopin Des Champs in the Gold Cup and I’m really looking forward to taking him on again.
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"He’s in great order at home, schooled beautifully ridden Harry Cobden on Monday morning and our horses could hardly be in better form - I’m expecting another big show."
The pair were locked together over the last in Cheltenham's Gold Cup last month but Galopin Des Champs sprinted away up the hill to win by seven lengths.
Dropping back to 3m on a sharper track should suit Bravemansgame, however, and he can be expected to get closer to Galopin Des Champs on this occasion.
Both horses will arrive fresh on Wednesday, with Galopin Des Champs also missing Aintree following their Cheltenham duel.
Nicholls has enjoyed recent success in the race, winning it two years ago with Clan Des Obeaux.
Three of the last four runnings have gone to Willie Mullins, however, with Allaho easily defeated that Nicholls rival last year.
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