Harrington rejects Macs Joy setback rumours
The six-year-old shot to prominence in the ante-post markets on the blue riband event following two recent successes in Grade One company, the latest of which came in the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown last month.
But he has drifted on the exchanges and has been trading some way in excess of his price with the traditional bookmakers.
Mrs Harrington, who has just returned from holiday, said at Naas yesterday: “There’s a rumour going round the racecourse this afternoon that he is out of the Champion Hurdle, but as far as I know there is nothing wrong with him.
“He is perfectly fine and was ridden out this morning. Eamon (Leigh, her head man) saw him earlier on today and he was fine, and as far as I know he is in good order.”
Meanwhile Pat Fahy reports stable star Mariah Rollins to be firmly on target for a crack at the Arkle Trophy.
The seven-year-old mare was a top-class novice hurdler and has met with defeat just once in three outings since switching to the bigger obstacles.
She staked her Cheltenham claim with victory in Grade One company at Leopardstown on St Stephen's Day, and is unfortunate not to be unbeaten over fences as she was clear when making a bad mistake at the final obstacle at Punchestown prior to that.
“She is bang on target for the race. I schooled her the other week and she was a little bit rusty, but there you go,” Fahy said yesterday.
“We will bring her to Leopardstown for a gallop and then she will be straight off to Cheltenham.”
Mariah Rollins is as short as 12-1 for the Arkle with Coral.
Leading John Smith’s Grand National hope Hedgehunter is reported in great shape after his victory at Fairyhouse on Saturday.
The Willie Mullins-trained nine-year-old is a best-priced 16-1 for the Aintree spectacular after his defeat of Pizarro in the Bobbyjo Chase, his first run over the bigger obstacles since his last-fence fall in the National 12 months ago.
“He’s fine, there’s not a bother on him. He pulled out this morning and was very well,” Mullins said yesterday.
“He ate up well when he got home last night and I was absolutely delighted with him yesterday. I was thrilled with his jumping and he did everything right.
“I still don’t know whether he will run again before Aintree. We’ll have to see how he is and what’s about.”
Mullins also had news of Irish Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup hero Rule Supreme, who has a choice of engagements at the Cheltenham Festival - the totesport Gold Cup or the Ladbrokes World Hurdle.
“I’ve still not made a decision on what race he will go for and I will leave it as late as possible before I do,” he said.
“You never know what is going to happen between now and the Festival.
“We put the saddle back on him for the first time yesterday and he looks absolutely superb.”
Officials at Sedgefield have called an inspection for midday today to assess prospects for racing there on Tuesday.
Clerk of the course Gemma Charrington said: “We’re covered by about an inch of snow at the moment and we are forecast a few more snow flurries through the day and on into tonight.
“It’s going to be another cold day tomorrow, but we’ll have a look at noon and see where we stand.”
