Charbel back next season after Aintree disappointment


Charbel is set to be given the remainder of the season off following his disappointing display at Aintree last Saturday.

The Kim Bailey-trained six-year-old looked set to give the brilliant Altior a run for his money when tipping up two fences from the finish in the Arkle Trophy at Cheltenham last month.

He was a hot favourite to gain compensation in the Maghull Novices' Chase on Merseyside, but failed to recover from a bad mistake and finished ultimately well-beaten in third place.

Charbel holds an entry in the Ryanair Novice Chase at Punchestown later this month, but will instead head for a summer break.

"He came back very stiff behind as he banged a hind joint when he made that mistake," said Bailey.

"He was disappointing on the day. I think maybe the atmosphere got to him a little bit as he was jumping a little bit cautiously.

"You can't make mistakes in a race like that and get away with it. The mistake he made would have stopped anything. I don't think he'll run again this season."

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