ON the week when the final entries for the Cheltenham Festival were revealed, Irish trainers accounted for a record total of 825. However, it was also revealed that both Le Richebourg and Penhill won’t be taking up their engagements after their trainers ruled them out of their respective races.

Willie Mullins revealed on Wednesday that Stayers’ Hurdle champion Penhill would not be going back to defend his crown. Tony Bloom’s classy stayer was found to be sore after a routine piece of work. Penhill has only been seen on the track four times in just over two years, but provided two of those wins at the Festival. News on Penhill saw the favourite Paisley Park shorten into 7/4 while Faugheen is second favourite at 11/2.