Flyer fine after Navan rescue

Moscow Flyer was reported to be “absolutely fine” after only his second defeat in 21 completed starts over fences at Navan on Sunday.

Jessica Harrington’s champion was sent off at 4-11 to add the Fortria Chase to his impressive record, but the 11-year-old found Central House three and a half lengths too good.

Afterwards his jockey Barry Geraghty said the horse “gave a blow two out and needed the run”.

As a result of the defeat Moscow Flyer was eased to 9-4 to retain his Queen Mother Champion Chase crown at Cheltenham in March.

But in the meantime he remains firmly on course for the William Hill – Tingle Creek Trophy at Sandown Park on December 3, a race he has won for the last two years.

“He’s absolutely fine, there’s not a bother on him,” Mrs Harrington said. “I just went down to see him before he was fed and his head was over the door.

“He went out in the field and he rolled and he seems to be fine.

“He just unfortunately needed it yesterday. Maybe he has got a bit slower but it was just the way things have worked out this year.

“The next stop will be the Tingle Creek, that’s what we are intending to do anyway. It will be great for racing because loads of horses will take him on.”