Brook's poor performance a mystery

Ashley Brook's disappointing performance at Ascot on Saturday remains a mystery, according to trainer Kevin Bishop.

The 10-year-old was pulled up by jockey Paddy Brennan after dropping back to last place and jumping badly left at the fifth fence in the Victor Chandler Chase.

"We can't find anything really untoward. The vet felt he was slightly unsound directly after the race," said Bishop.

"He scoped him and said he was spotless, so we've just got to go over him with a fine tooth comb and see if we can find something that is hurting him.

"He worked a week before the race as well as I've ever known him, so it's a bit of a mystery.

"I only blood-tested him three or four days before the race. That was fine, the scope was fine and that cuts it down a bit. Anyway, something must be ailing him.

"He'll have a couple of easy days until I can get someone to look over him completely.

"We don't want to aggravate anything, but he didn't appear distressed after the race."