Cash And Go and Staying Article not prepared to compete in the Cheltenham Festival
Cash And Go impressed his connections as he secured a victory in the Grade 1 Paddypower.com Future Champions Novices Hurdle, at Leopardstown, in the closing race of 2011.
His performance was highly admired, as the bookmakers showed significant interest in him for the Cheltenham Festival.
The son of Sulamani, out of Calcida, was all set to compete in this event, but his recent finish in 5th place forced his owner, David Monaghan, to change his decision.
He finished fifth in the Grade 1 Deloitte Novice Hurdle, at Leopardstown, on 12th February, 2012.
The performance was below average, as the 5-year-old gelding raced with a slow pace. He was in 6th place halfway through the race, but did not make the effort to track and chase the leaders.
As a result of this race, he has been removed from the line-up of the William Hill Supreme Novices' Hurdle, which is scheduled to take place on 13th March, 2012. This decision was based on the fact that it will be difficult for him to recover
from a loss like this in time for the festival.
Trainer Edward O’ Grady, also explained to the media that Staying Article, son of Definite Article, out of mare Sejour, has also been dropped out and will not be competing in the Stan James Champion Hurdle in the Cheltenham Festival.
The Stan James Champion Hurdle is the featured race, which is due to take place on 13th March, 2012.
The 7-year-old gelding was one of the top contenders for this race as he finished third in the Grade B Boylesports.com Hurdle, which took place at Leopardstown, on 28th January, 2012.
He has faced a minor setback and it is likely that he will not be competing for the rest of the season.
The Cheltenham Festival is a very prestigious event, anxiously awaited by many. It is scheduled to start from 13th March, 2012 till 16th March, 2012. The opening day is known as the Champion Day followed by Ladies Day, Saint Patrick’s
Thursday and the Cheltenham Gold Cup Day.
With the Cheltenham Festival looming around the corner, it seems like luck is not in Edward O’Grady’s favour as his runners are falling short of their expectations.
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