Racing fans fear Hatton's Grace Hurdle turning into farce if horse doesn't run

Horse racing fans fear Sunday's Bar One Racing Hatton's Grace Hurdle could turn farcical after only four horses were left in at the forfeit stage.

The race could see a mouthwatering showdown before two-time champion Teahupoo and last season's impressive Mares' Hurdle winner Lossiemouth.

But racing fans also fear if Lossiemouth doesn't run, having been pulled out of last weekend's Morgiana Hurdle with a stone bruise, Gordon Elliott will train all three runners of the Grade 1 race.

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Meath handler Elliott has also entered Beacon Edge and Maxxum, who would be long outsiders to upset the defending champion Teahupoo.

It comes after Elliott recently saddled the only three runners in the Grade 2 Boodles Florida Pearl Novice Chase at Punchestown.

On that occasion, all three horses were also owned by Gigginstown House Stud, with Stellar Story prevailing by a short head from Search For Glory in an exciting finish.

Elliott is also responsible for five of the nine horses currently entered in Sundy's Bar One Racing Drimore Novices Chase.

The market is being headed by Firefox, who made an impressive chase debut when scoring at Down Royal earlier this month.

Elliott has also entered Florida Pearl one-two Stellar Story and Search For Glory, Croke Park and Shecouldbeanything in the contest over two and half miles.

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