Top-class stayer Patkai is set to make an astonishing return from four years off the track in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot later this month.

The eight-year-old beat all bar legendary four-time winner Yeats in the prestigious two-and-a-half-mile (4000m) Group One in 2009, but has since been sidelined by injury.

Owned by Ballymacoll Stud, the gelding has switched from the care of Sir Michael Stoute to Welsh handler Rebecca Curtis and having come close to a comeback last year, connections are keeping their fingers crossed he stays in one piece for the Gold Cup on June 20.

"He's had serious soundness problems and we just have to take it day by day with him," Peter Reynolds of Ballymacoll Stud said.

"We sent him to Rebecca as she is very good with those horses who have had soundness issues. She has good facilities and they can do a lot of swimming.

"He was with Rebecca last year and the plan was to go to Ascot then, but he didn't make it.

"At the moment I believe he's fine, but Ascot is still a few weeks away, so we'll see.

"If he's fit and ready he'll go for the Gold Cup, and if he's not he won't."