The eagerly awaited John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase has been reduced to a three runner affair after Bog Warrior was taken out this morning.

The Tony Martin-trained gelding, who returned to form with an easy win over hurdles at Fairyhouse last weekend, is coughing.

The two and a half mile feature still has a stellar line-up with exciting second-season chasers Flemenstar and Sir Des Champs taking on last year's winner Rubi Light

Other significant non-runners on the seven race card which gets underway at 12.30pm are Waaheb, Shrapnel and Foxrock all out of the Listed novice hurdle (1.00), while Teelin Star (lame) is an absentee in the opening 2m4f maiden hurdle.