No Cheltenham bid for Thomas Darby as Olly Murphy reveals plans for stable stars

Thomas Darby: heading to Aintree nextCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Olly Murphy will miss the Cheltenham Festival with his leading hurdler Thomas Darby as connections eye a tilt at Aintree's Ryanair Stayers Hurdle.

The eight-year-old was cut to 20-1 (from 33) for the Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle at Cheltenham with the race sponsors after a promising third behind McFabulous in the Relkeel Hurdle over 2m5f at Kempton on Saturday.

A step up to three miles awaits but a potential test against the likes of Paisley Park, Thyme Hill and Sire Du Berlais will have to wait until the Grand National meeting in April.

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James StevensWest Country correspondent

Published on 12 January 2021inNews

Last updated 19:57, 11 January 2021

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