Nicky Henderson pulls his horses from Cheltenham amid concerns over health & says ‘there will be further non-runners’
NICKY HENDERSON has pulled a number of his star runners from Cheltenham amid concerns over a mystery bug devastating his yard.
The Seven Barrows boss has been in dismal form of late and scratched big Champion Chase hope Jonbon plus First Street and Kingston Pride from Wednesday's racing.
He was forced to withdraw Champion Hurdle king Constitution Hill earlier this month after he was found to be unwell with mucus and a 'significant degree of inflammation'.
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And five of his six horses were pulled up on day one of the Festival.
Henderson said in a statement: "I'm afraid we have had to make some very tough decisions following the very disappointing performances of all bar one of our horses yesterday.
"It was there for all to see that there is obviously something affecting nearly all our horses and consequently we have reluctantly decided that Jonbon, First Street and Kingston Pride will not run today.
"It is impossible to identify any reason for all the disappointments and none of these three horses have given us any cause for concern, all yesterday's runners were scoped clean post-race and I am glad to say all are sound this morning.
"There will unfortunately be further non-runners on Thursday and Friday.
"I hope everybody will appreciate that we have to do this in everybody's interests, particularly the horses.
"It is very, very disappointing for everybody."
Henderson's shock decision came as it was announced the Cross Country Chase had been abandoned.
The 4.10pm race has been scrapped altogether with the track unraceable - and the times of the first four races all changed.
More to follow.
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