Champion Hurdle contender William Munny to miss intended Christmas return after setback

Champion Hurdle contender William Munny will now be redirected to the Dublin Racing Festival after suffering a minor setback on Saturday morning which has ruled him out of the Christmas period.

The seven-year-old has been well supported for the Champion Hurdle in the last week, particularly in the aftermath of last weekend's dramatic Fighting Fifth, and he is now a general 8-1 chance for the festival day one highlight.

A dual bumper winner, William Munny excelled over hurdles last season, bolting up in Listed company at Punchestown before running a huge race to chase home Kopek Des Bordes in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle.

Trainer Barry Connell had initially planned for him to make his first start in open company in the Morgiana last month before a late setback scuppered his return.

William Munny chased home Kopek Des Bordes in the Supreme Novices' HurdleCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

He has now suffered a pulled muscle in his preparation for the December Hurdle at Leopardstown on December 29, for which he was a 7-2 shot behind 1-2 favourite Lossiemouth.

Connell is now aiming to get one run into him before Cheltenham and the plan is to return in the Irish Champion Hurdle in early February, which has been won the last three years by State Man, who is sidelined for the season.

"William Munny unfortunately pulled out lame this morning," said Connell. "We did all the scans and tests and he’s pulled a muscle in his hindquarters. We’re happy it’s just a soft tissue injury, but he’ll miss a couple of weeks. 

"We won’t get him to Christmas and we’ll aim for the DRF now. We’re hoping to get one run into him before Cheltenham."

Unibet Champion Hurdle (Cheltenham, March 10)
Unibet: 2 Lossiemouth, 7-2 Sir Gino, 5 The New Lion, 8 William Munny, 14 Constitution Hill, Golden Ace, Wodhooh, 16 Anzadam, 20 bar.

Read these next:

'Cheltenham is the best route to go on the way to a Champion Hurdle' - The New Lion set to miss Kempton and wait for Trials day 

Sir Gino enters Champion Hurdle picture and installed as second favourite - but Nicky Henderson rules out retirement for Constitution Hill 

Could Wodhooh be switched to the Champion Hurdle after Fighting Fifth drama? Gordon Elliott has his say 

Looking for free bets? Racing Post have got the best offers, all in one place. Visit racingpost.com/freebets to find out more.