It is looking increasingly likely that Spirit Son will miss the BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown on January 29.(credit:
Sleepless in Somerset)
It is looking increasingly likely that Spirit Son will miss the BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown on January 29.
Nicky Henderson’s 2011 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle runner-up hasn’t been seen since he powered to a sensational success in a Grade Two at Aintree in April but it was suggested he could return to clash with Hurricane Fly at Leopardstown.
However, owner Michael Buckley thinks that the race could come a bit too soon for the superstar. Buckley explained: "I think it will come too soon. I believe he may have a racecourse gallop later this week which will tell Nicky a lot more.
"The horse is fine. I saw him work on Saturday, but I suspect - and I'm not ruling him out of the race - if the Irish Champion was ten days later he might well make it.
"It's doubtful he'll run and he may go for the race at Sandown (Contenders Hurdle).
"I think he's very talented, but it's shame he's going to Cheltenham with very little additional experience.
"It'd have been great to run him in the Greatwood, which was the plan and get him a bit more streetwise, but it is what it is."