Knight forced to abandon Demon plan

Irish Independent Arkle Trophy favourite Racing Demon has been ruled out of his engagements this week after bursting an abscess on a tooth.

Henrietta Knight’s six-year-old had been entered at Uttoxeter on Wednesday but failed to appear among the five-day declarations for the Intercasino.co.uk Lightning Novices’ Chase at Lingfield on Saturday.

“He has had a burst abscess on a tooth and he can’t run this week at all,” said Knight.

“We sent somebody up to walk the course at Uttoxeter and we were strongly considering that race, and I was going to enter him on Saturday, but he has this burst abscess.

“It is of no consequence long-term, but it is fairly uncomfortable as it is under his jaw.”