RICCI RETIRES MAG
TOP-CLASS mare Vroom Vroom Mag has been retired to the breeding paddocks by owner Rich Ricci.
The multiple Grade 1 winner had not been pleasing Willie Mullins on the gallops recently and will head to stud rather than go for Tuesday’s OLGB Mares’ Hurdle at the Festival.
Elgin has been supplemented for Tuesday’s Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham. The upwardly mobile gelding is reported to be fighting fit by Alan King who expects him to improve again ahead of the Grade 1 showpiece.
There are 15 entries at the five-day stage for the Champion Hurdle headed by title-holder Buveur D’Air and 2015 victor Faugheen.
Meanwhile, leading hopes Footpad, Saint Calvados and Petit Mouchoir still stand their ground for the Arkle while hot favourite Getabird heads 28 acceptors for the Supreme.
Major ante-post fancy Hunters Call will miss next week’s County Hurdle at the Festival.
Trainer Olly Murphy had to withdraw the gelding due to a foot problem but said he could be ready in time for next month’s Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr.
Ruby Walsh will make his comeback at Thurles today. He will have his first competitive ride since breaking his leg in November on Willie Mullins’s Lareena in the maiden hurdle.
MUFFINS FOR TEA (3.10) can spearhead another good day for Colin Tizzard at Wincanton. The eight-year-old relished stepping up to three miles when slamming The King’s Writ at Taunton and remains unexposed over fences.
The Dorset handler can follow up with STORM HOME (3.45) in the novice hurdle. The gelding built on some decent efforts over timber when scoring at Taunton and should come on plenty.
BREAKING GROUND (2.10) can continue his recent revival in the opening handicap hurdle.
Richenda Ford’s gelding defied long odds to regain the winning thread here last time and can follow up with the soft ground and right-hand track in his favour.
Paul Nicholls can bag his usual winner at his local track courtesy of MOABIT (2.40). Classy at best, the six-year-old returned to form in style at Chepstow last time.
CLOWDAW WESTIE (4.50) can claim a competitive novices’ chase for trainer Lawney Hill.
The seven-year-old hacked up from the useful Dylanseoghan over 2m 4f on his fencing bow at Leicester and can improve again over three miles.