Blood vessel excuse for Spider after Troytown disappointment Spider Web burst blood vessels when pulling up in the Troytown Chase at Navan on Sunday. The JP McManus-owned seven-year-old was a well-supported 7/1 favourite for the prestigious handicap following his victory in last month’s Munster National at Limerick. However, he never threatened to land a blow and was eventually taken out of the race before three fences from home by jockey Luke Dempsey. Trainer Tom Mullins said: "He has burst before and he’s a bit hit and miss. "Some days he bleeds and other days he doesn’t. It’s just something we’ve got to work with. "He bled yesterday anyway and that’s why he disappointed. At least we have a reason for it, although I’d prefer it if it wasn’t that reason. "I’d say he could still make Christmas or early in the new year, but we’ll play it by ear."
