Rooster Booster to miss Newbury chance

Rooster Booster has been ruled out of a quick return to action in next Saturday’s totesport Trophy Hurdle at Newbury.

The 11-year-old was beaten three lengths by Self Defense in the Agfa Hurdle at Sandown yesterday but he is also entered for next week’s handicap feature.

Trainer Philip Hobbs refused to rule him in or out after the race yesterday, but he has since spoken to the gelding’s owner Terry Warner and they have decided not to leave the grey in at tomorrow’s five-day stage.

Rooster Booster is now set to head straight for the Smurfit Champion Hurdle at next month’s Cheltenham Festival, a race he won in 2003.

Hobbs said: “He’s absolutely fine and ate up this morning but he will not be going to Newbury and it’s very unlikely we’ll give him another run before the Champion.

“That’s what was decided when I discussed other options with his owner Terry Warner last night.”

Rooster Booster is 20-1 with totesport for the blue riband following yesterday’s defeat but Hobbs felt the race was not run to suit.

Rank outsider Cool Roxy went off at a very fast pace, opening up a huge lead and Richard Johnson was forced to lead the chasing pack on Rooster Booster.

As Cool Roxy fell away at the second-last, Rooster Booster was left in front which Hobbs did not think was ideal.

He added: “It’s happened with him before and the way the race was run was far from ideal. I’m not worried about it and I think his overall level of form suggests that he is almost as good as he was.”