O’Brien confirms Le Richebourg blow

Trainer Joseph O’Brien has revealed Le Richebourg will miss the rest of the campaign after picking up an injury.

Le Richebourg was seen as the favourite for the Racing Post Arkle at the Cheltenham Festival next month following back-to-back Leopardstown victories, both which were under the guidance of jockey Mark Walsh.

However, O’Brien has confirmed the John P McManus-owned charge will not be racing at Prestbury Park after a recent scan revealed the six-year-old has been struck down with a season-ending injury.

On his Betfair blog, the trainer said: “Unfortunately Le Richebourg will not run in the Arkle and will miss the rest of the season. He worked routinely on Saturday, but we weren’t happy with him afterwards, and further investigations this morning have revealed that he has picked up an injury that rules him out for the rest of the season.

“It’s very disappointing for everyone here, as he has been brilliant all season and we were very much looking forward to seeing him in action at Cheltenham. We hope he will return to the track next season and pick up where he left off.”