Leader misses Irish date
Keen Leader will miss his intended outing in Sunday’s Ericsson Chase at Leopardstown.
The seven-year-old’s owner Adair Catherwood has confirmed that he will bypass the three-mile race after he was found to have a dirty nose.
“Jonjo (O’Neill, trainer) phoned me yesterday and told me he had a dirty nose after working,” said Mrs Catherwood.
“We have not discussed any plans yet but we don’t want to risk such a good horse in a race like that.”
Keen Leader was a 5-2 shot for the race with Paddy Power after his impressive 17-length win in the Tommy Whittle Chase at Haydock last time.
Dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Best Mate is the 13-8 favourite for the race while last year’s winner Beef Or Salmon is a 9-4 shot.
