Overview
- Trainer Nicky Henderson and owner Michael Buckley withdrew the former Champion Hurdler and staged a farewell parade on the Festival's opening day.
- Henderson said the horse no longer believes in his jumping and that it would not be fair to ask him or jockey Nico de Boinville to continue over obstacles.
- A convincing Flat debut at Southwell in February, winning a novice by nearly ten lengths under Oisin Murphy, reinforced the decision to switch codes.
- An immediate Flat target under consideration is a Kempton novice on March 25, with Henderson assessing the next steps this week.
- Henderson reported receiving legal threat letters over any hurdles return, while longer-term Flat options discussed include the Irish St Leger and the Melbourne Cup.