Barbatos out of action due to leg injury
Barbatos has been ruled out for the remainder of the season, following a minor leg injury. He was being prepared for the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham on Wednesday, March 14, 2012.
The six-year-old horse last raced at the start of the New Year, and had a general starting price of 16 to 1 for Neptune.
His trainer, Ian Williams was a touch disappointed because of the injury, but was hopeful that things will get better soon and his horse will be back in action again.
According to Williams:
“Unfortunately Barbatos has a small leg injury which is not that serious but it means he will spend time on the sidelines and will not be running at Cheltenham or Aintree as a result.”
He further went on to say:
“It's a blow for all concerned as he had won readily at Cheltenham on New Year's Day but thankfully it does not seem too bad and the good news is that he is likely to be back in action later next autumn.”
Barbatos’ start to the year was a decent one, as he managed to win the hurdle at Cheltenham. He was not the favourite to win, with a starting price of 9 to 2, but ran pretty well towards the end of the event.
The Power Panels Electrical Systems Ltd owned horse had a steady start to the hurdle, but continued to make progress.
He kept on increasing the speed, as the finish line was approaching, and took the lead before the final hurdle. This was good enough to keep him ahead of the rest of the pack till the end.
Master Of The Game, trained by Nicky Henderson, was the favourite to win the New Year hurdle, but failed to make an impression. He had a starting price of 11 to 4, but disappointed all with his unimpressive run.
Considering that performance from Barbatos, he could have caused an upset in the Neptune hurdle. However, he will have to wait for his chance for a little longer now.
The favourite for the Neptune Hurdle is Fingal Bay, trained by Philip Hobbs. He has earned a starting price of 5 to 1, and is currently unbeaten in all five outings he took part in.
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