Harchibald out of Champion

Harchibald, runner-up in the Smurfit Champion Hurdle last spring, was ruled out of a repeat bid on the day that 35 entries were announced for this year’s renewal at Cheltenham on March 14.

The one-time favourite for the hurdling crown appeared among the entries, but will not run again this season after trainer Noel Meade admitted defeat in getting the seven-year-old back from injury.

Meade’s stable star 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.

He was thought to have sustained the injury when finishing second to Brave Inca in the bewleyshotels.com December Festival Hurdle at Leopardstown over Christmas.

“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.

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

“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 no 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.

In his absence, dual Champion Hurdle winner Hardy Eustace and last year’s third Brave Inca head the market with totesport as the 100-30 joint favourites.