Sir Des Champs to miss remainder of season
The eight-year-old’s excellent effort behind Bobs Worth at Prestbury Park was sandwiched by victories in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown and the Punchestown Gold Cup in April.
He fell on his return to action in the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase, but was not disgraced when fourth behind Bobs Worth in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown on December 28, and was expected to improve for the run.
However, he is now set for a spell on the sidelines.
Trainer Willie Mullins told his website, wpmullins.com: “He has suffered slight damage to a tendon.
“The injury is going to take time to heal so we have decided to pull the plug on the remainder of this season.”
In light of the news, reigning champ and Lexus Chase winner Bobs Worth has been cut to 2-1 to retain his crown at Cheltenham, while King George winner Silviniaco Conti has been cut to 3-1 in places. Sir Des Champs had been as short as 6-1.
