Macs Joy OUT of Champion

Macs Joy is out of the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle after pulling a muscle.

Last year's runner-up had been due to work today, but was found to have suffered the setback that will keep him out of Tuesday's showpiece on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival.

"He didn't work this morning and he's a non-runner in the Champion Hurdle," said trainer Jessica Harrington.

"He's pulled a muscle. It's the opposite side to what he had before."

Macs Joy was a best-priced 10-1 for the Champion on what would have been his third attempt at the race.