Betfair Hurdle: Recession Proof ruled out

News / Timeform / 24 January 2012 / Leave a Comment

Recession Proof (centre) will not run in the Betfair Hurdle.

"The race will come just a bit soon for him..."

Recession Proof will not defend his title in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury next month...

The six-year-old, rated 148 by Timeform, defied his novice status to land the Grade Three event last year.

Winner of three of his previous four starts before that headline-grabbing victory, Recession Proof then went on to represent trainer John Quinn in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham.

He finished fifth behind Al Ferof on that occasion but missed Aintree due to a minor setback.

Recession Proof has not raced since the Festival and the February 11 event at Newbury had been his intended comeback run.

However, Sean Quinn, the trainer's son, tweeted: "Last year's winner Recession Proof will miss the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury.

"The race will come just a bit soon for him."

Currently heading the market at [5.2] for the Betfair Hurdle is last season's Triumph Hurdle winner Zarkandar, who is also trading at [8.6] for the Champion Hurdle in March.

Trainer Paul Nicholls could also be represented by Newbury winner Empire Levant, whilst the unbeaten Darlan and 2010 Triumph Hurdle winner Soldatino, both trained by Nicky Henderson, could also take their chance.