Sublimity sidelined for the season

Sublimity has been ruled out of the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle due to a leg injury.

The 10-year-old claimed the hurdling crown three years ago and was fourth and 15th in the two subsequent renewals at the Cheltenham Festival.

He had appeared to be back on top form this term, being placed in three Grade One outings, but a late setback means trainer Robbie Hennessy has had to call time for this season.

He said: ‘He's got a suspensory injury. It's just a knock and it's hard to really know how he did it - it could have been rolling around in his box, getting cast or in a routine gallop.

‘He's lame and the vets have told us he needs three months' rest so he won't be back this season.

‘We're all gutted here. It's a shame as he had a really good gallop at Leopardstown last week.

‘He's been in good form and running well all year and the ground is just starting to coming right for us.

‘It's just one of those things. He could be sound again in two weeks' time but he just needs the time off as he could end up lame again.’