Straw Bear found to be below–par

NICK GIFFORD believes an infection was to blame for Straw Bear’s tame effort in the Stan James Christmas Hurdle at Kempton Park on St Stephen’s Day.

The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle runner-up failed to follow up on his ‘Fighting Fifth’ victory last week and weakened following the turn for home at the Sunbury venue to finish fourth under Tony McCoy.

Connections were initially puzzled by the six-year-old’s performance as he failed to confirm Newcastle form with Noble Request and Desert Quest, but a tracheal wash revealed an infection.