Klassical Dream a late defection for Willie Mullins in Irish Champion Hurdle

Leopardstown's Dublin Racing Festival lost one of its stars on the eve of the two-day meeting with Klassical Dream a late scratching from the PCI Irish Champion Hurdle (3.10).

Trainer Willie Mullins revealed the six-year-old was lame on Friday evening.

A top-priced 5-1 shot for the Grade 1, last season's Supreme Novices' winner was one third of a formidable triumvirate for the race, taking on Sharjah and the unbeaten Honeysuckle.

Irish Champion Hurdle card

Following an unbeaten novice campaign that culminated with Grade 1 wins at the Cheltenham and Punchestown festivals, Klassical Dream has found life tougher this season.

The six-year-old was last of five when disappointing as favourite behind stablemate Sharjah in the Matheson Hurdle at Leopardstown in December.

Despite the setback, Mullins still holds a strong chance of winning the Irish Champion Hurdle, a race he dominated between 2011 and 2016 with six consecutive victories.

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