More Of That out for the season, won’t defend title at Cheltenham

The World Hurdle winner had been recovering from a breathing op

One of the best races of a stacked Cheltenham should be the Ladbrokes World Hurdle. Made famous by Inglis Drever and then dominated by Big Buck's, this year's renewal promised a stacked field. From Zarkandar to Lieutenant Colonel to last year's winner More Of That it looked to be shaping up to a be a cracker. It probably still will be but the defending champ won't be taking part. This morning it was confirmed by JP McManus' racing manager Frank Berry that the seven-year-old wouldn't defend the crown. The horse lost its first race, and the only run of the season, at Newbury in November and a breathing operation took place in the aftermath. However, a bleed emerged two weeks ago and now the decision has been made to shut the horse down for the season.