Mullins going flat out for Arkle

WILLIE MULLINS has left both Flat Out and Quel Esprit in Sunday’s Frank Ward Solicitors Arkle Novice Chase at Leopardstown on Sunday – but stable companion Mikael D’Haguenet is a notable absentee.

The latter slightly dented his huge reputation with a disappointing display at Leopardstown’s Christmas meeting.

Flat Out, on the other hand, made a most impressive chasing debut at Punchestown earlier this month, while Quel Esprit is also one from one over fences having struck gold at Limerick in November.