REIGNING Stayers’ Hurdle champion Sire Du Berlais remains on course to defend his crown despite a setback that has kept him off the track during the first half of the season, according to J.P. McManus’ racing manager Frank Berry.

The 12-year-old stalwart has been a phenomenal servant to connections and caused a 33/1 upset in the Paddy Power-backed Grade 1 last season under Mark Walsh, following up with a ready win over Marie’s Rock and Flooring Porter in the Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree.

Gordon Elliott’s three-time Cheltenham Festival winner was declared to start his season in the Lismullen Hurdle in November but was withdrawn on account of unsuitable ground described as soft to heavy.

Connections of the dual Pertemps Final winner, who was also second in the 2021 Stayers’ Hurdle, are still planning on getting a run into the 20/1 chance before his title defence.

Berry told The Irish Field: “He had a little hold-up but he’s back on track now and all is good with him. The plan is for him to go back to Cheltenham again. He’s been a brilliant horse down the years. Gordon says he’s happy with him and he’ll have a run before then.”

Younger rivals dominate the head of the Stayers’ Hurdle market, with French ace Theleme and Sire Du Berlais’ stablemate Teahupoo sharing favouritism at no bigger than 4/1 apiece.