Sir Des Champs to miss remainder of season

Last season’s Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up Sir Des Champs will miss the remainder of the current campaign after sustaining a tendon injury.

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.