Infection May Be To Blame For Iktitaf Flop Jazz Messenger and Iktitaf both returned sound from their assault on the AIG Europe Champion Hurdle but Noel Meade feels the latter might have been compromised by an infection.While the first-named ran a solid race to finish fifth, 10 lengths behind Hardy Eustace, Iktitaf proved a major disappointment and trailed in a tailed-off last of the eight runners.Previously edged out by Sunday's runner-up Brave Inca in another Grade One contest, Meade says he will not be surprised if something shows up to account for the no-show over the coming days.He said: 'They're both 100 per cent sound, which is great, but obviously Iktitaf ran way, way, below form.'He is sound and not sore anywhere, but I took a lung wash from him and I imagine that something may show up.'He didn't bleed but I would imagine he might be found with some sort of infection. But he's in such good form I don't think it is anything serious and Timmy (Murphy) was very kind as he eased him down as soon as he felt he wasn't right.'? PA Sport
