Cross Out For The Season

Golden Cross is out for the season after suffering a cut to his near-fore leg when a close second in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle.

The seven-year-old sustained the injury when failing by just a head to peg back My Way de Solzen.

'The disappointing thing is after such a good run we won't be able to take him to Aintree or Punchestown,' explained trainer Michael Halford.

'The injury is not too serious but he just needs time off.

'It was a marvellous run and it is not the end of the world that his season is over as I'd imagine the plan will be to come back and go one better next year - but I'll need to check that with the owners.

'We'll probably start him off on the Flat again and then aim at the Hatton's Grace Hurdle (at Fairyhouse in December).

'He definitely stayed the trip and we could have just done with another 100 yards but we are relieved that he is okay.'

Meanwhile, his rider Johnny Murtagh made a triumphant return to Flat racing after his Cheltenham heartbreak when winning the Listed Jebel Ali Sprint on Raging Creek.

? PA Sport