Voler La Vedette in action© Photo Healy Racing
Voler La Vedette is set to undergo a breathing operation after a slightly disappointing performance in the Hatton's Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse yesterday.
Colm Murphy's star mare ran out a brilliant winner of the Grade One contest 12 months ago and went on to finish second to the incredible Big Buck's in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle at Cheltenham.
However, she has failed to reach those heights so far this season.
After being beaten at odds of 1-7 on her return at Navan, the eight-year-old moved smoothly into contention yesterday but could not pick up and was well held by Zaidpour and Monksland in third.
"We were obviously a bit disappointed with her and it just seems her wind is catching her out," said Murphy.
"There's always been a little issue there, but last season we were getting away with it with the tongue-tie on. This year she's not getting away with it.
"She travelled into the race well but she's just not getting home, so we'll get her looked at and I'd imagine she would (have a breathing operation)."
Some suggested after her reverse the mare was perhaps still feeling the effects of that gruelling clash with Big Buck's in March, but Murphy does not agree.
"I don't think that's the case. She seemed good and strong at home before yesterday and we couldn't have been happier with her. Hopefully we can get her sorted out," said the trainer.
