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DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE

Owner Michael O’Leary slams the hype around Cheltenham Festival favourite Samcro

O'Leary has warned punters to be wary of his price for the Cheltenham Festival, insisting he still has a long way to go to reach the top

Michael O'Leary, Gordon Elliott

OWNER Michael O'Leary has warned punters over the hype around Chelteham Festival hope Samcro.

The Gigginstown hurdler after winning impressively in a Grade 3 contest when last seen.

 Michael O'Leary (left) with Samcro's trainer Gordon Elliott
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Michael O'Leary (left) with Samcro's trainer Gordon ElliottCredit: PA

However, O'Leary is not getting carried away and reckons the hype is "rubbish".

O'Leary told At The Races: "The hype with Samcro is rubbish. He's won his maiden hurdle, he won a graded hurdle reasonably well - Death Duty did the same last year, went to Cheltenham and blew up.

"He'd have to go to Cheltenham and actually win a race there, and the rest of it is just to delude ante-post punters betting at this time of the year.

 Samcro still has a long way to go in his career
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Samcro still has a long way to go in his careerCredit: PA

"He is not as good as the hype would make out, he will never be as good as the hype will make out.

"If he turns out to be a reasonably good chaser in time, great, but he's not the next coming of Jesus Christ."

Hungry horse goes missing after its race... and turns up in the course canteen