Connections of 2009 Champion Hurdle hero Punjabi have confirmed the gelding will once again miss the entire season through injury.
The nine-year-old has not been seen since finishing well beaten at the 2010 Punchestown Festival, with a setback ruling him out of an intended novice chasing campaign last season.
Nicky Henderson and his team had hoped Punjabi would start off his career over fences this time around and he had even started schooling over the larger obstacles, but another injury has left him on the sidelines once again.
Tony Stafford, racing manager for owner Raymond Tooth, said: “He had a setback and unfortunately he is out for the season again.
“It wasn’t the same injury as before but with horses like him who have had time off, you need to be 100 per cent sure they are right before you bring them back.
“It’s disappointing as I know he had schooled really well over fences. Tony McCoy schooled him one day and was delighted with the way he jumped.
“He’s a Champion Hurdle winner and when you have a horse like that, you don’t want to jeopardise their future health in any way.
“It probably isn’t a serious injury, but he needs time to recover and there is no point bringing him back in May.
“Hopefully we can bring him back into training at the end of the summer and have another go.”
PA AAP TURF
