Hillcrest no-show in Albert Bartlett has connections scratching their heads

Connections of Hillcrest were none the wiser after the 9-4 favourite failed to land a blow in the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle.

The seven-year-old was unbeaten in each of his completed hurdles starts for Henry Daly, including when winning at Cheltenham on New Year's Day, and was one of Britain's leading contenders of the week.

After making a slow start, Hillcrest failed to make an impression and was pulled up on the second circuit by Richard Patrick. The Grade 1 was won by five lengths by the Willie Mullins-trained The Nice Guy.

"I'm not sure what the problem was but he just never really got going," said Patrick. "As soon as the tapes went back he was never really travelling. I gave him every chance to warm up and run a nice race but it wasn't happening. He's too nice a horse to take any chances with."

Daly could offer no explanation for the performance, and added: "Racing has ups and plenty of downs, and we've hit one of the big downs. We'll obviously check him out but it's hugely disappointing.

'He's too nice a horse to take any chances with'Credit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

"You're favourite for the Albert Bartlett and he ran no sort of a race. He never entered the contest. I can't explain it. He was prominent enough at the second attempt to start and at this stage there are no excuses."

Ginto, who was sent off at 5-2 for Gordon Elliott, suffered a fatal injury under Jack Kennedy when coming to challenge for the lead before the final hurdle.

Stag Horn, Where It All Began and Classic Getaway were all pulled up during the three-mile contest.

Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle: full result and race replay

Read this next:

The Nice Guy an 18-1 winner of Albert Bartlett to bring up Mullins hat-trick

Rachael Blackmore makes Cheltenham Gold Cup history on awesome A Plus Tard

2022 Cheltenham Gold Cup: where your horse finished and who won

Join Racing Post Members' Club for just £9.99 for your first month!Members' Club is the only subscription racing fans and punters need in order to stay informed and make smarter betting decisions. Features include early access to the Racing Post digital newspaper, exclusive news and interviews, premium tips and form study tools to assist with betting. Head to our subscription page here, select 'Get Ultimate Monthly' and enter code CHELT22!