Kopek Des Bordes to miss Christmas period following a setback - with Lulamba promoted to Arkle favourite

Hugely exciting Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner Kopek Des Bordes will miss his Christmas engagement at Leopardstown after a setback that required him to have a chip removed from his knee. 

The Grade 1 Racing Post Novice Chase on December 26 had been on the agenda for the talented five-year-old, who bolted up at long odds-on under Paul Townend when tackling fences for a first time for trainer Willie Mullins at Navan last month. 

Owner Charlie McCarthy said the Irish Arkle at Leopardstown's Dublin Racing Festival in February could be his next major target, although he may also run before that.

"Willie said he just had to get a loose chip in his knee removed, so he’s short a week in his preparation for Christmas as a result," McCarthy explained on Wednesday about his family's pride and joy. 

"It’s only minor but it wouldn’t be right to run him at Christmas, so he [Mullins] decided it’s better to wait for the Dublin Racing Festival. It’s just a minor setback. If it was another week or ten days he’d be ready to run as he’s in great form."

Charlie McCarthy (second left) leads in Kopek Des Bordes after his win at Navan last monthCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

Following the news, Kopek Des Bordes was eased to a general 2-1 for the Arkle at the Cheltenham Festival in March, with Lulamba tightening to 7-4 from around 5-2 and Romeo Coolio being trimmed to a top-priced 4-1 from as big as 6-1. 

Gordon Elliott's deeply impressive Drinmore Novice Chase winner is now a 4-9 shot (from 7-4) for the Racing Post Novice Chase, in which he would be reverting to 2m1f, having won over three furlongs further at Fairyhouse. 

Arkle Novices' Chase (Cheltenham, March 10)
bet365: 15-8 Lulamba, 9-4 Kopek Des Bordes, 4 Romeo Coolio, 16 July Flower, 33 bar.

Read more here:

Lulamba has 'so much untapped potential' says the man responsible for buying him from France - plus updates on Sir Gino and Jango Baie 

'He's a two-miler who attacks - the engine is definitely there' - Supreme scorer Kopek Des Bordes electric on chasing debut 

'We can dream in every direction' - Romeo Coolio cut to 6-1 for the Arkle after Drinmore demolition job 

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