The favourite runner for the JBC Triumph Hurdle Sir Erec recently suffered a stone bruise. Despite this, his trainer Joseph O’Brien confirmed that he will still participate in the Cheltenham Races 2019.

According to O’Brien, Sir Erec is in excellent shape. He said that they are confident that there is enough time for his full recovery and join the Cheltenham Festival.

The JP McManus-owned horse is two from two over hurdles after his impressive performance in the Flat last season, where he finished third in the Long Distance Cup on Champions Day at Ascot last October. He came out as champion last December in a maiden hurdle at the Leopardstown’s Christmas meeting. And last month, he landed by six lengths at the Grade 1 Spring Juvenile Hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival.

Si Erec has been as short as evens in the betting for the hurdle on March 15. Because of this, he is regarded as the banker of the Cheltenham Races 2019. However, bookmaker odds show Sir Erec at 6-5 for the Triumph Hurdle while stablemate Fakir D’oudairies was cut from 5s to a general 7-2.