Although Roxholme Ray finished sound in the void GMG Three Steps semi final, it was contesting the re-run that ultimately cost him his place in tonight’s decider.
Mark Keightley reluctantly scratched the second favourite after an overnight setback in a battle with a groin strain.
He said: “We have been icing the injury every four hours since Saturday when it was detected by George Drake. Last night he seemed fine, and I was up at 3.30am again this morning and he seemed fine. But when we went down the kennel first thing, the puffiness had returned. I wouldn’t dare risk it tonight, but hopefully it won’t be a long term problem.”
