The unseasonable and lengthy dry spell of weather has had a serious impact on what promised to be an exciting afternoon's racing at Leopardstown with 13 horses already taken out due to ground conditions.

The field for the Unibet Irish Gold Cup has been reduced to six with the Henry de Bromhead-trained pair Balko Des Flos and Monalee both absentees along with Gold Cup third Anibale Fly and Noble Endeavor.

Likely favourite Delta Work is a notable non-runner in the Flogas Novice Chase, while Coeur Sublime is another significant non-runner in a Grade 1 with Davy Russell now switching to stable-companion Chief Justice in the Tattersalls Ireland Spring Juvenile Hurdle.

Sinoria (in season) is one of four taken out of the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Paddy Mullins Mares Handicap Hurdle, while the progressive Brosna George (stewards permission) is one of four non-runners in the William Fry Handicap Hurdle.

The going is now good (good to yielding in places) on the hurdle/bumper course, while the chase course is described as good (good to firm in places).