Champ to skip Leopardstown trip

Trainer Nicky Henderson says Cheltenham Festival winner Champ won’t be heading to Leopardstown on December 28.

The eight-year-old hasn’t been seen since winning the RSA Insurance Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham in March.

He was expected to make his seasonal bow in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown over the festive period, however, Henderson feels the contest will come too soon.

Henderson Tweeted: “Unfortunately Champ will not be travelling to @LeopardstownRC over Christmas.

“He is not quite ready to run, so we will have to wait a bit longer for his seasonal debut.

“He has been schooling brilliantly, so we are very excited to see him on a racecourse as soon as we can!”

Henderson hasn’t hinted at when his charge might be ready for action, but he will be keen to get Champ back racing early in the New Year as they look to build towards another successful Cheltenham tilt.

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