Justified to bypass Fairyhouse

Justified, a leading candidate for the Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy, has been ruled of a possible engagement at Fairyhouse this weekend.

Unbeaten in two starts over fences, the six-year-old had been considered for the Grade One Pierse Group Drinmore Novice Chase by trainer Eamonn Murphy.

However, the County Kilkenny-based handler said: “He is not going to run and will definitely go to Leopardstown over Christmas.”

Justified is a top-priced 8-1 shot for the Arkle at Cheltenham in March.