Harchibald ruled out

Former Smurfit Champion Hurdle favourite Harchibald will not run again this season, trainer Noel Meade has confirmed.

The seven-year-old has been in Troytown Hospital since New Year’s Day, having had an operation to remove a piece of birch from his off-hind pastern.

“I have had a long chat with the vet – and although he is very happy with him, we have decided he is not going to run again this season,” Meade said.

Harchibald, runner-up in last season's Champion Hurdle, is believed to have sustained the injury when finishing second to Brave Inca in the bewleyshotels.com December Festival Hurdle at Leopardstown over Christmas.

“Cheltenham is definitely out and while Punchestown is a possibility, I feel that it is best we take no chances with him,” Meade continued.

“Rather than risking him and taking a chance trying to bring him back, it is best to give him time and bring him back next season.

“The vets have been pleased with him and are confident there will be on ill-effects at all. I will leave him at the hospital for the next week or 10 days as there is now no rush to get him home.”

Harchibald was as low as 7-2 to land the Champion Hurdle after easily winning the Bula over the course and distance under Paul Carberry at the beginning of last month.

He then lost out to Brave Inca at Leopardstown on ground considered by Meade to be too soft before his leg problem came to light.

The Co Meath handler said at the time he believed it would take a “miracle” for Harchibald to make the Festival following his operation and his assertion was proved correct, with Harchibald ruled out with eight weeks to go.