Infection may have caused Iktitaf flop
Jazz Messenger and Iktitaf have both returned sound from their assault on Sunday’s AIG Europe Champion Hurdle but Noel Meade feels the latter might have been compromised by an infection.
While the first-named ran a solid race to finish fifth, 10 lengths behind Hardy Eustace, Iktitaf proved a major disappointment and trailed in a tailed-off last of the eight runners.
Previously edged out by Sunday’s runner-up Brave Inca in another Grade One contest, Meade says he will not be surprised if something shows up to account for the no-show over the coming days.
He said: “They’re both 100% sound, which is great, but obviously Iktitaf ran way, way, below form. He is sound and not sore anywhere, but I took a lung wash from him this morning and I imagine that may show up.
“He didn’t bleed but I would imagine he might be found with some sort of infection. But he’s in such good form I don’t think it is anything serious and Timmy (Murphy) was very kind as he eased him down as soon as he felt he wasn’t right.”
Providing Iktitaf is bouncing prior to Cheltenham, he is still likely to take in the Champion Hurdle along with Jazz Messenger.
“We know he was only just behind Brave Inca the last time so there is no reason why he shouldn’t be upsides him again,” he continued.
“Jazz Messenger is fine today and I think he ran a reasonable race. I was hoping he might run a bit better but he ran a reasonable race and he will run in the Champion Hurdle, all being well. I don’t think he’d run before that.”
