Recession ruled out of Betfair

Recession Proof will not defend his title in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury next month.

The six-year-old defied his novice status to land the Grade Three event last year, when it was run as the totesport Trophy.

Winner of three of his previous four starts before that headline-grabbing victory, Recession Proof then went on to represent trainer John Quinn in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham.

He finished fifth behind Al Ferof on that occasion but missed Aintree due to a minor setback.

Recession Proof has not raced since the Festival and the February 11 event at Newbury had been his intended comeback run.

However, Sean Quinn, the trainer’s son, tweeted: “Last year’s winner Recession Proof will miss the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury. The race will come just a bit soon for him.”