Baby Mix goes on summer break

Baby Mix is to be put away for the season following a slightly disappointing run in the JCB Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham.

The French import was a strong fancy for the juvenile championship at the Festival after winning two of his three previous starts, but could only finish ninth behind Countrywide Flame.

“He is fine after his run in the Triumph. He’s been on the go a very long time. He had a lot of races on the Flat in France and he’s not even four years old yet. He was a very late foal,” said trainer Tom George.

“He’s done his best so we thought we’d let him strengthen up a bit.

“He ran a solid race in the Triumph. Turning in you wouldn’t have swapped him for anything, but he didn’t quite get home up the hill. He was outstayed slightly, but he’s had a good season.

“We’ll get him back in early about the end of July and be ready to crack on with him then.”