Baracouda bows out

French hurdling ace Baracouda has been retired after sustaining a slight injury at the Cheltenham Festival.

The 11-year-old finished fifth in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle but was found to have damaged a tendon, prompting connections to call time on his seven-year career.

“He ran a blinder at Cheltenham but he just came back with a slight injury behind,” said Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus.

“He owes nobody anything and we decided to retire him while he is still in one piece. He’ll be going to JP’s Martinstown Stud.”