Mullins considers Sports Line options

WILLIE MULLINS is considering whether to give his smart novice chaser Sports Line another run prior to a tilt at the Arkle Trophy at Cheltenham in March.

The seven-year-old was impressive on his fencing introduction at Navan in November and was far from disgraced in finishing second to An Cathaoir Mor in last weekend’s Irish Arkle at Leopardstown.

“He is a very difficult ride, and Ruby got him settled in the early part of the race before making the decision to kick on three-out,” said Mullins.

“In hindsight maybe Ruby could have waited a bit longer, but in kicking on he gave the horse valuable experience.

“For a horse having just its second run over fences it was a huge effort, so I was more than pleased.

“Sports Line is still on course for the Arkle at Cheltenham, though he might run beforehand for a bit more experience if there is a suitable race for him.”

Sports Line is a best-price 16-1 with William Hill for the Arkle.

Meanwhile, Mighty Man, a general 20-1 chance for the RSA Chase at Cheltenham, has been ruled out after sustaining a season-ending injury.

The top-quality staying hurdler was sidelined for two years with a tendon problem but had started to make into a fine novice chaser, impressing at Huntingdon this week with some spring-heeled leaps.

“He fractured his sesamoid and is going to be operated,” said trainer Henry Daly. “He had a tiny little nick after the race but we just felt it this morning. We put him in a box, took him off to the vets and they called me back.

“The vet seems confident it is certainly not life-threatening or even career-threatening, the only problem is he’s already 10.”