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Cowboy Goes Home

Jonjo O'Neill has confirmed that crack staying hurdler Rhinestone Cowboy, off the track since winning at Punchestown almost two years ago, has returned to the farm of his owners, John and Sue Magnier, in Ireland.

The master of Jackdaws Castle last week conceded defeat in his bid to get the 10-year-old back in time to contest the Ladbrokes World Hurdle at next month's Cheltenham Festival.

'I don't know if he has definitely run his last race or whether he might come back next year but he has left the yard and gone back home now,' said the trainer.

'Five or six weeks ago it looked as if he was going to come back right but then things went wrong again.

'He's been a grand horse and he really owes us nothing but it is a shame ? he has just had lots of problems.'

? PA Sport