Excuse for Freedom Steps To Freedom has been found to be suffering from an infection after his disappointing run in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham last week. The six-year-old was among the leading contenders for the Festival curtain-raiser having won at the track in November, but he trailed home a well-beaten 14th. Trainer Jessica Harrington hopes to have her charge back on his game for the upcoming Festivals at Fairyhouse and Punchestown in his homeland. "The tests showed he had an infection. They knew he'd coughed and this infection has come to light," said Harrington. "Hopefully he'll be ready to go to Fairyhouse and Punchestown, that's the idea." Harrington also confirmed that Champion Hurdle sixth Oscars Well could head to either Fairyhouse or Punchestown for his next competitive start.
