Noel Meade's stable star Road To Respect has suffered an injury setback that has ruled the frequent Grade One winner out for the season and his chances at a bid for the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
The nine year old made a superb start to the season like he has in previous seasons by landing the Ladbrokes Champion Chase at Down Royal, seeing off the subsequent King George winner Clan Des Obeaux to seal his fourth Grade One victory in his career.
His second run of the season showed more signs of encouragement for the yard as Road To Respect finished a staying on third in the grade one Savills Chase at Leaopardstown over the Christmas period.
He was in line to have one final run before heading to Cheltenham for the Gold Cup as he was entered in the Irish Gold Cup during the Dublin Racing Festival but will know miss out.
Meade said: “Unfortunately he won’t run again this season. It’s a big blow, but it’s one of those things.
“Hopefully he will (be back next season). You never really know, but he’s only a nine-year-old who hasn’t been over-raced and we’ll be doing everything we can to get him back.”
Four-time Grade 1 winner!
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) November 2, 2019
Road To Respect loves this race and lands another Ladbrokes Champion Chase for @tuvastables and @swflanagan7 at @Downroyal 👏
Results ➡ https://t.co/glajGV55GR pic.twitter.com/0lMoG6Eo2x