Bad News For Laustra Fans

David Pipe has ruled the well-backed Laustra Bad out of The Ladbroke at Ascot on Saturday.

The four-year-old made a pleasing return to action at Ascot last month and was as low as 10-1 with the sponsors for the handicap hurdle.

But Pipe has decided against the competitive affair and will look for another opening in the coming weeks.

Pipe said: 'He's not quite 100% and there are plenty of other races for him.

'He is only a four-year-old and they usually struggle in the race.'

The Nicholashayne handler won The Ladbroke 12 months ago with Acambo, with his father, Martin Pipe, also successful with Desert Air and Tamarinbleu in recent years.

'He (Laustra Bad) was our only entry so we won't be having a runner this year,' added Pipe.

Another who is unlikely to line-up is Tom Hogan's Silver Jaro, second to the promising Majestic Concorde last time out.

He is currently 29th on the list and Hogan is also looking at a race he shares his name with.

He said: 'It doesn't look like we are going to get into The Ladbroke with Silver Jaro but there is another race we can go for with him ? the Tom Hogan Lexus Hurdle!

'It's not quite named after me, there is a Tom Hogan who sells cars in Ireland but it would be quite an apt winner.

'He seems a nice horse. He has come to me from Jonjo (O'Neill) and hopefully we can win a nice handicap with him.'

The Ladbroke; William Hill bet: 7-1 Jack The Giant, 8-1 Missis Potts, Roman Villa, 10-1 Jayo, Viso, 12-1 Chivalry, 14-1 Altilhar, Deutschland, Mon Michel, Mountain, Princelet, 16-1 bar.

(C) PA Sport