The Mares Novices Hurdle favourite for the 2020 Cheltenham festival has been ruled out for the season with the exciting Gypsy Island for trainer Peter Fahey suffering an injury setback.
The five year old owned by JP McManus started her career last year when winning at Ballinrobe on her bumper debut, beating a field of 14 with ease.
The daughter of Jeremy was then tried over hurdles where she finished a narrow second to a nice horse from Henry De Bromhead's yard but she should have really won the race.
She was tried back in bumpers after her one and only hurdles run winning nicely at Naas and then landing a Listed bumper at Fairyhouse to back up her credentials.
Four from four in bumpers, Gypsy Island runs out a fine winner of the finale on a truly momentous day at @punchestownrace
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) May 1, 2019
Results ➡ https://t.co/glajGV55GR pic.twitter.com/48lYMvdXEG
Her final test of the season was at the Punchestown Festival landing the Grade Three national hunt flat race beating some superb horses.
Many think that this mare would have gone close in the Champion Bumper but was ruled out of the race due to running over hurdles during the season.
She was set to start her season in the coming weeks with her trainer very bullish about her chances in some big contests this season but sadly for the yard and connections they will have to wait another season to see her on track.
Trainer Peter Fahey explained: “Unfortunately she’s suffered a small fracture in a hind leg and rather than rush her back, we’ve decided to give the year off.
“She was due to run next week and it’s sickening for everyone in the yard and everyone involved.
“The good thing is she’s only five and hopefully she’ll make a full recovery.”