Kawaboomga added to list of Cheltenham absentees

Leading Cheltenham Festival contender Kawaboomga has been ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering a setback.

The French recruit made a promising debut for Willie Mullins when runner-up to esteemed stablemate Kopek Des Bordes at Leopardstown’s Christmas meeting and went one better at Fairyhouse last month, beating a subsequent winner in William Munny.

The JP McManus-owned five-year-old looked a major player for the Turners’ Novices’ Hurdle at Prestbury Park in little over a fortnight’s time, but will not be making the trip across the Irish Sea.

McManus’ racing manager, Frank Berry, said: “Unfortunately Kawaboomga has had a setback and will miss the rest of the season.

“He’s a grand, big horse and it’s disappointing, but hopefully all being well we’ll have him back for the autumn.”

Despite Kawaboomga’s defection, both Mullins and McManus will have high hopes of landing the two-mile-five-furlong Grade One which opens day two of the Festival.

Mullins is responsible for the ante-post favourite Final Demand, while the green and gold McManus silks are set to be carried by The New Lion for the first time, with the leading owner having snapped up Dan Skelton’s charge since his Challow Hurdle success at Newbury in late December.

Berry added: “Dan seems very happy with The New Lion and we’re looking forward to seeing him run.”

Paddy Power make Final Demand a 6-4 market leader in their non-runner no bet market for the Turners, with The New Lion rated his biggest threat at 5-2.