UPDATED 10:22AM, APR 30 2021
Hot favourite Bob Olinger has been ruled out of today s Champion Novice Hurdle at Punchestown after coughing this morning.
The six-year-old was the general 4-7 favourite to fololow up his dominant win in the Ballymore Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham and uphold the form with second favourite Gaillard Du Mesnil.
Gaillard Du Mesnil had been well supported this morning prior to Bob Olinger s defection and is now the general 4-11 favourite for the Grade 1, ahead of Ashdale Bob at 5-1.
Henry de Bromhead told the Racing Post: Bob Olinger gave a little cough this morning and we just weren’t 100 per cent happy with him so we said we better err on the side of caution. It’s just one of those things. He’s had a fantastic season and he’s one we’re very much looking forward to next season.