NOEL MEADE has reported that Harchibald will not be travelling over to Kempton to contest the Christmas Hurdle.

THOMAS O’Leary holds the halter of stable star Scarthy Lad in one hand, while the other hoses the ‘Stay Sound’ compound from the horse’s off foreleg. There’s a wistful, but resigned, look on his face as the plaster-esque substance dilutes and runs down the drain.