BRITISH racing was dealt a big Cheltenham blow when a key Grade 1 winner was ruled out of the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.
Six-year-old gelding Idaho Sun was strongly fancied at a decent price in the Festival curtain-raiser but has sadly picked up an injury.
Harry Fry has been dealt a huge blow ahead of CheltenhamCredit: PA
It means Dorset-based trainer has been forced into withdrawing one of his two entries.
He posted: “Idaho Sun will unfortunately miss the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle @CheltenhamRaces next week due to a hind limb lameness that requires further diagnosis.”
His stable star Idaho Sun, who is owned by Jeremy Gear, was priced at 14-1 for the Supreme and put up by many pundits as a strong each-way chance.
The gelding convincingly turned over ‘s hot prospect and, until then, unbeaten Mydaddypaddy in a Grade 1 contest at Aintree over 2m last time out, seeing him off by more than three lengths.
This stood Idaho Sun, who was sixth in last year’s Champion Bumper, in good stead to run again in Grade 1 company over the same distance at Cheltenham.
Skelton’s runner is 7-1 for the Supreme.
The current favourite is ‘s Old Park Star – who can be backed at 2-1.
Although that price is coming under a bit of pressure after – who is now as short as 9-4 – is all set to run in the Supreme.
in the opening race of the Festival.
The injury to Idaho Sun deals a huge blow to Fry who has just one other entry for the Festival next week.
His sole chance at Cheltenham glory is now Boothill – who is as high as 40-1 for the Grand Annual Chase on Wednesday 11 March.
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Eze Chidiebere Paul
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