Cheltenham hero Bob Olinger withdrawn from Punchestown at late notice due to coughing
Henry de Bromhead’s Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle winner will not take part in today’s Champion Novice Hurdle. By Press Association Friday 30 Apr 2021, 11:06 AM 10 hours ago 1,941 Views 6 Comments
Rachael Blackmore and Bob Olinger after their Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle victory at Cheltenham.
Image: PA
Image: PA
BOB OLINGER IS a late absentee from Friday’s Alanna Homes Champion Novice Hurdle.
Henry de Bromhead’s hugely impressive Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle winner was found to be coughing on the morning of the race.
Having claimed a clean sweep of the Champion Hurdle, Champion Chase and Gold Cup at Cheltenham, De Bromhead has yet to fire at Punchestown – and Gold Cup hero Minella Indo was also a late absentee with a stone brui
UPDATED 2:36PM, APR 25 2021
Irish champion jockey Paul Townend will make a timely return to the saddle on the opening day of the Punchestown Festival after being booked to ride in each of Tuesday s three Grade 1s, providing a huge boost for the Willie Mullins team ahead of the biggest week in Irish jump racing.
Townend has been sidelined since injuring his foot after falling from Egality Mans at Fairyhouse earlier in the month, an injury which forced him to miss the Grand National meeting at Aintree, but he has been declared fit to ride at the five-day extravaganza.
The 30-year-old’s return comes at the perfect time as he is coming under increasing pressure from Cheltenham Gold Cup and Grand National winner Rachael Blackmore in the race to be Ireland’s leading jockey this season.