Supreme second William Munny to miss State Man clash after suffering setback

William Munny will miss his intended reappearance in the Unibet Morgiana Hurdle after Barry Connell revealed the exciting seven-year-old had suffered a small setback.

He had developed into a smart novice last season, chasing home Kopek Des Bordes in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival on his most recent start.

However, his first start in open company will now be delayed.

Connell said: "William Munny got a small knock so he won’t make the Morgiana. It’s nothing serious, it’s just bad timing. We’re only 12 days out so it’s just coming too soon. 

"He’s in good form, however, and we’ll aim him for Christmas now."

William Munny had been the 7-2 second favourite with Paddy Power for the Grade 1 at Punchestown on November 22, and his absence clears the way for State Man to be sent off at increasingly prohibitive odds.

The eight-year-old was turned over in the Morgiana by Brighterdaysahead at 4-9 last season and could be set to go off similar odds this time, with stablemates from the Willie Mullins yard dominating the head of the betting.

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