Out Of The 2022 Festival

[Spectre]

The first one for the year with the news that Black Tears has been retired as a broodmare and won't defend her Mares Hurdle Title.

For those that backed her early cashout is still available with 365 if you're quick.

Definitely worth a discussion on another thread as it opens up value elsewhere.

Black Tears
Eileendover
Altior
Happygolucky
Monkfish
Min
Topofthegame
Kalashnikov
Black Tears - Retired
Karl Der Grosse
Petibonome
James Du Berlais

[ComplyOrDie]

As per the previous years 'Out Of The Festival' threads, please refrain from commenting here unless it is actual news of a horse being confirmed out Thank you.

Anything other than specific news will be deleted.

[Fouroverthrutwo]

For those that didn't read Hurricane Fly's post, Eileendover is highly unlikely to return to hurdles after a relatively successful flat campaign. Eileendover is still quoted by many bookmakers for the Mares Nov Hdl so bear this in mind before parting with your hard-earned cash.

https://www.attheraces.com/news/2021...or-eileendover

[Kevloaf]

Altior has been retired

https://www.unibet.co.uk/blog/horse-...ings-1.1869787





For any comments about this horse please see this thread rather than commenting here. Thanks.

https://www.fatjockey.com/forum/fat-jockey-horse-racing-forum/national-hunt-racing-20-21/2462-fat-jockey-farewells-nh/page9#post315536

[ComplyOrDie]

Happygolucky OFTS with a tendon injury as per @SkySportsRacing on Twitter plus other accounts noting the news too.

[MTR]

Can’t believe this but MONKFISH out for the season. Gutted.

https://www.sportinglife.com/racing/news/breaking-news-or-willie-mullins-monkfish-out-for-the-season-and-min-retied/194765

[Fouroverthrutwo]

Min retired.

[Overturn]

Topofthegame OFTS

[The Fellow]

Topofthegame will miss another jumps season, Paul Nicholls revealed on Thursday morning, as the big chestnut has not quite made a complete recovery from the leg injury which has kept him off the track since 2019. The Ditcheat trainer had expressed the hope of aiming Topofthegame at this season's Randox Grand National, but a scan of the horse's troubled leg brought those plans to a halt.

"It's not totally unexpected," said Nicholls. "Basically, we did a month's work with him and then scanned him. Our vet Buffy Shirley-Beavan says he needs more time.

"So what we've decided is to give him the rest of the season off again, just give him another year off just to be sure and then do the same next year, scan him and we'll either go on or we won't. That'll be decision time.


"Chris Giles and Paul Barber, who own him, they know the situation and they're patient. Buffy is quite adamant that, if we give him a year, he will be fine. He just needs that bit more time."

The nine-year-old was last seen chasing home Lostintranslation at Aintree in April 2019. The previous month he had achieved a personal best in landing the RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, beating Santini and Delta Work, at which point he looked a strong contender for future Gold Cups.

"He just hasn't healed up enough to stand training," Nicholls explained. "He just needs more time and if we're going to give him three or four months, we run out of time for this season. We're better off giving him lots of time and leave it for this season, get him back in on July 1 and try again.

"It's a challenge and we like a challenge. And there is still hope that we can get him right and if we can, we will. If not, he'll have to find another job."


While Topofthegame's fans and ante-post supporters are disappointed once more, Nicholls said the horse could hardly be happier. "He's out in the field, right as rain, loving life. He's not lame or anything, we've had him trotting up the hill and on the treadmill. He's 100 per cent, you wouldn't know from looking at what he's doing. He just needs a bit more time for the injury to completely strengthen up."

The news comes just one day after Willie Mullins said his erstwhile Gold Cup contender Monkfish would have to miss the season. Nicholls noted the early autumn often produces such stories, as jumps horses are asked to do more serious work.

"This is the time when you start pressing a few buttons and asking a few questions. Traditionally, you read about a few. Monkfish was probably not the first and Topofthegame won't be the last."

Fortunately, the champion trainer has no other such problems on his radar at present. "You never know what's round the corner and every day is different, but at the moment we're in good shape and looking forward to the season."

[Fouroverthrutwo]

Kalashnikov unlikely to return until September 2022 after suffering a tendon injury. Source: Interview with Amy Murphy.

https://www.skysports.com/amp/racing/news/12426/12410459/kalashnikov-injury-amy-murphy-rules-stable-star-out-for-entire-season-with-tendon-issue-picked-up-at-cheltenham

[Cheltenham Novice Chase]

Moderators - Please can we keep a list going on the first post as per previous years? Started below. Thanks.

1. Black Tears
2. Eileendover
3. Altior
4. Happygolucky
5. Monkfish
6. Min
7.Topofthegame
8. Kalashnikov

[Spectre]

I'm not a moderator, but I made the original post so I've done it CNC.

[Madmoose]

Not sure if known here but Paul Nicholls pair of juveniles last season Houx Gris and Good Ball both died

[knockando]

Dan Skelton has just tweeted to say Roksana is to be retired through injury

”Roksana unfortunately has an emerging suspensory injury that means we have to stop training. Given her age and broodmare potential she won’t return to training. She’s been a star. Thank you Roks x“

https://twitter.com/dskeltonracing/status/1444989964257746945?s=21

[Smiley]

Sorry not really appropriate for here maybe (and sorry to unduly panic anyone) but just learnt of the sad passing of sir Trevor Hemings! Legendary National Hunt owner and local to my island, true gent and legend. Sad loss for the sport