Infection may be to blame for Iktitaf flop

JAZZ MESSENGER and Iktitaf have both returned sound from their assault on Sunday’s AIG Europe Champion Hurdle but Noel Meade feels the latter might have been compromised by an infection.

While the first-named ran a solid race to finish fifth, 10 lengths behind Hardy Eustace, Iktitaf proved a major disappointment and trailed in a tailed-off last of the eight runners.

Previously edged out by Sunday’s runner-up Brave Inca in another Grade One contest, Meade says he will not be surprised if something shows up to account for the no-show over the coming days.