Detroit Team Baffled By Poor Show

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Philip Hobbs remains perplexed by Detroit City's flop in the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle.

The prolific five-year-old was sent off a well-backed 6-4 favourite for the showpiece event on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival, but was never travelling at any stage.

Minehead trainer Hobbs said: 'The horse seems absolutely fine. I've had him tested and he's been scoped and everything has come back fine ? I can find no problems.

'I don't believe in off-days, but the horse simply hasn't performed.'

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