The World Hurdle winner had been recovering from a breathing op
One of the best races of a stacked Cheltenham should be the Ladbrokes World Hurdle. Made famous by Inglis Drever and then dominated by Big Buck's, this year's renewal promised a stacked field.
From Zarkandar to Lieutenant Colonel to last year's winner More Of That it looked to be shaping up to a be a cracker. It probably still will be but the defending champ won't be taking part.
This morning it was confirmed by JP McManus' racing manager Frank Berry that the seven-year-old wouldn't defend the crown.
The horse lost its first race, and the only run of the season, at Newbury in November and a breathing operation took place in the aftermath.
However, a bleed emerged two weeks ago and now the decision has been made to shut the horse down for the season.
