Blow for Elliott as Minella Crooner ruled out of Festival

Gordon Elliott’s Minella Crooner, the ante-post favourite for the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle, will miss the race due to a pulled muscle.

A recent Grade One runner-up at Leopardstown over two miles and six furlongs, the David Barnard-owned six-year-old had won three of his five races under Rules and finished runner-up in the other two.

However, Elliott described the setback as “frustrating” but “nothing serious” and hopes to have him back in time for the remaining spring festivals.

“He pulled a muscle and obviously we are only five days out from the Festival,” said Elliott.

“It is not bad, but we are just going to miss a few days and when you miss a few days that close, you are not going to get there.

“It’s frustrating, but that is the game we are in. We just have keep our head up and get as many there as we can.

“Half the battle is getting them there in good form. I would imagine he will be back for the spring festivals, as it is nothing too serious.”