ARKLE HOPE TO MISS FESTIVAL Ireland's leading contender for the Arkle Trophy, Bust Out, will miss the Festival after suffering a recurrence of a leg problem. The seven-year-old had been a 10-1 chance for the Irish Independent-sponsored Cheltenham contest. Bust Out was off the course for nearly a year before winning on his chasing debut at Fairyhouse in December and then finishing second to Le Coudray in the Denny Gold Medal Chase at the Leopardstown Christmas meeting. On his most recent start he comfortably landed the Arkle Cup at Leopardstown in January. However, trainer Jessica Harrington did have better news of her Champion Chase favourite Moscow Flyer who pleased when schooling on Friday morning. She said on Friday, 'Unfortunately, Bust Out has injured the same leg which has troubled him in the past and will be out of action for a year to 18 months. 'He worked on Wednesday and we discovered the following morning that he was in trouble. It`s the same leg which caused him to miss most of last season and much of the previous season.' Harrington added, 'He will need plenty of time to recover but if all goes well he will still be a young horse when he comes back next year.' Of Moscow Flyer, Mrs Harrington said, 'He`s in great form. He worked and jumped at The Curragh this morning and Barry (Geraghty) was delighted with him.'
