Buveur D’Air down but not out after Haydock defeat

NICKY HENDERSON was disappointed but not dismayed after dual Champion Hurdle hero Buveur D’Air suffered defeat on his longawaited return to action at Haydock yesterday.

Having claimed Cheltenham Festival glory in both 2017 and 2018, the JP McManus-owned 10-year-old fell when bidding for the hat-trick the following season.

Hopes of regaining his crown last March were dashed by a freak injury suffered in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle, where he returned with a piece of wood lodged in his foot, which later required surgery and a significant period of rehabilitation.

It has been a long road back for Buveur D’Air, but such was his well being, Henderson changed a longterm plan to run at Sandown next month and instead bring him out a fortnight earlier in The New One Unibet Hurdle on Merseyside.

Despite a 14-month absence, he was widely expected to make a successful return against two rivals – but despite receiving weight from both eventual winner Navajo Pass and last year’s victor Ballyandy, the 8-11 favourite was unable to reel in Donald McCain’s front-runner.

However, Henderson was optimistic overall as he assessed the performance. ‘He’s jumped like he always used to – it’s very quick and accurate. Nico (de Boinville) thought he’d got the winner covered going to the last, but then he took a big blow.

‘He’s got a run under his belt and will come on tons for that.’

Buveur D’Air is a general 20/1 shot to become the fifth horse to win a third Champion Hurdle, with Epatante – who won the race in her stablemate’s absence last season – the 9/4 favourite, despite also being beaten on her latest outing in the Christmas Hurdle.

Of Buveur D’Air, Henderson added: ‘We’ll stick to the plan and go for the Champion Hurdle.

‘I’m disappointed not to win today. We know where we are and know what we’ve got to do.’