Foreman ruled out of Arkle

Foreman is the latest of the leading Irish Independent Arkle Trophy candidates to be ruled out of the race, after being diagnosed with colic.

Thierry Doumen’s seven-year-old was the 10-1 fifth favourite in most lists for the two-mile novice contest next Tuesday, but he joins a growing list of absentees for the race including Cloone River and Kauto Star, who Foreman chased home at Newbury in December.

“Unfortunately he’s got a bout a bout of colic and won’t make it to Cheltenham,” Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus, told the Racing Post.

Foreman, who won the 2004 Irish Champion Hurdle, was also a runner-up on his other start over fences, when second to Ulaan Baatar at Leopardstown in January.