Bell ace to be sent over hurdles

Michael Bell and the Royal Ascot Racing Club will have a busier winter than usual after deciding to send Metaphoric over hurdles.

The Newmarket trainer will take out his jumping licence to oversee the preparation of the one-time Epsom Derby hope, who went off the boil after a winning start at Newmarket in the spring.

Harry Herbert, the syndicate’s racing manager, said: “He has been gelded and hopefully this should get him mentally concentrated. If he takes to it, then he might be prepared for the Triumph Hurdle route.

“The club had one jumper before, who sadly hurt himself, and although we buy horses for the Flat, we have always said if one comes out of the system to go jumping, then we are happy to do that as we have many owners who are very keen.

“Michael used to work with Mercy Rimell before he started out, so he has plenty of experience.”