Defending champion Politologue OUT of Champion Chase at last minute with burst blood vessel
DEFENDING champion Politologue was dramatically pulled OUT of the Champion Chase at the last minute with a burst blood vessel. The Paul Nicholls-trained horse had blood in his nose. Nicholls, the 11-time champion trainer, said they did not want to risk the horse’s health in the feature race on day two of the Cheltenhan Festival. […]
DEFENDING champion Politologue was dramatically pulled OUT of the Champion Chase at the last minute with a burst blood vessel.
The Paul Nicholls-trained horse had blood in his nose.
Nicholls, the 11-time champion trainer, said they did not want to risk the horse’s health in the feature race on day two of the Cheltenhan Festival.
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It meant Chacun Pour Soi started the race as huge 8-13 favourite.
But it was not to be, as 17-2 shot Put The Kettle On absolutely rocketed home to win the £168,810 first-place prize.
The heavily fancied Chacun Pour Soi eventually finished for third, with 11-1 Nube Negra landing second.
Nicholls tweeted a photo of blood coming from Politologue’s nose.
And he wrote alongside the image: “This is the reason I withdrew Politologue today.
“It could have been just a small bang on the nose to cause it but obviously we could not take any chances with him.”
Racing punters praised Nicholls for putting the horse’s wellbeing first and foremost.
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One said: “Well done Paul, horse comes first as always.”
Another posted: “Always got the horse at heart. Good man Paul.”
While a fellow Twitter user wrote: “Gutted he couldn’t take his chance but well done for looking after him.”
For punters who backed the horse, their bets will be voided and money returned.
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