Villon suffers setback

Promising chaser Villon has been ruled out for the rest of the season after sustaining a slight injury to his near-fore.

The seven-year-old was as low as 20-1 with Ladbrokes for the Arkle Challenge Trophy after making a successful start to his chasing career at Uttoxeter last month but he will not be seen again this campaign.

Trainer Len Lungo told the Racing post: “He is sound when walking, trotting and all other gaits but we’ve scanned him and it showed a tiny little mark on the tendon.

“We’ve discussed it with his owner and we won’t be trying to recover this season.

“It’s so frustrating as it’s such a small problem but we’re sure he’ll be back in October or November.

“He’s still not lame but we think so much of him that we don’t want to risk him.”

Villon has been beaten just once in six runs with his only defeat coming in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at last year’s Cheltenham Festival.