Racing: Rhinestone Cowboy out for season

Jonjo O'Neill's top-class hurdler Rhinestone Cowboy will not run this season due to a "leg injury".

Jonjo O'Neill's top-class hurdler Rhinestone Cowboy will not run this season due to a "leg injury".

The John Magnier-owned eight-year-old was as short as 3-1 with the sponsors for Cheltenham's premier staying hurdle, the Ladbrokes World Hurdle, in March. "Rhinestone is out for the season," O'Neill said yesterday. "He's been scanned today and we're going to get it fired, but he's gone for the year, unfortunately. It's very disappointing. I'm sick for the owners and sick for young JP [Magnier] who rides him. I'm also pretty sick for myself."

The stable's Cheltenham Gold Cup hope, Keen Leader, is still on course for Haydock's Tommy Whittle Chase on Saturday week.