George Murphy revealed Sept. 2 that White Birch will miss the remainder of the season after picking up an injury to his hock. The Tattersalls Gold Cup (G1) winner, unbeaten in three starts this year, was being aimed at the Sept. 14 Irish Champion Stakes (G1).
“Unfortunately, it looks like White Birch will miss the rest of the season,” said Murphy, son of trainer John Murphy.
“He strained a near hock and the advice is he will be off for three to four weeks, which won’t give us time to get back going for his plan for the rest of the season. We’re looking forward to him returning to the track next season.”
The 4-year-old gray or roan had been 6-1 third favorite for the Irish Champion at Leopardstown, with only Economics and Auguste Rodin in front of him in the ante-post betting.
He had been a revelation this season and finished three lengths clear of Auguste Rodin on his most recent start May 26 at the Curragh, earning a Racing Post Rating of 125. There have been a couple of aborted starts since then.
He had been due to contest the Eclipse Stakes (G1) at Sandown but was ruled out due to his bloodwork not being 100% right. Connections opted to miss last month’s Juddmonte International (G1) as they felt the York race was coming a bit quick for their stable star as he built back up to full fitness.
