Willie Mullins has decided not to run Kopek Des Bordes in the Goffs Irish Arkle Chase at the Dublin Racing Festival on Saturday, scrapping a highly anticipated match-up with Gordon Elliott's Romeo Coolio. The Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner was not declared for the Leopardstown race on Thursday, having missed a scheduled Christmas outing due to a minor setback.
Owner Charles McCarthy expressed his disappointment but backed the trainer's decision. 'Willie rang me this morning and said he won’t run. He’s working well and everything is positive but he’s just not happy to take on these horses at the moment. He just needs a little more time,' McCarthy said. 'I’m broken hearted he won’t run on Saturday like everyone else but we have to put the horse first.'
McCarthy confirmed that Mullins is now aiming Kopek Des Bordes directly at the Arkle Challenge Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival. 'We’re aiming for the Arkle and at the moment that’s where we are thinking. Willie has his eyes firmly set on Cheltenham and didn’t want to jeopardise the horse this weekend,' he added. The six-year-old was eased from 5-2 to 7-2 for the Cheltenham race by William Hill, where a potential clash with Nicky Henderson's favourite Lulamba awaits.
