Justified to bypass Fairyhouse

JUSTIFIED, a leading candidate for the Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy, has been ruled of a possible engagement at Fairyhouse this weekend.

Unbeaten in two starts over fences, the six-year-old had been considered for the Grade One Pierse Group Drinmore Novice Chase by trainer Eamonn Murphy.

However, the Co Kilkenny-based handler said: “He is not going to run and will definitely go to Leopardstown over Christmas.”