Racing: High jump for Muse

MUSE, one of the toughest dual-purpose horses in training, will miss the Champion Hurdle next winter and embark upon a new career over fences.

David Elsworth's seven-year-old, currently enjoying a successful stint on the Flat, showed plenty of courage to snatch the Herbert and Gwen Blagrave Memorial Handicap Stakes at Salisbury yesterday.

'We'll give the Champion Hurdle a miss next season as he'll go fencing. He jumps so well at home that his target will be the Arkle Chase at Cheltenham next March,' the Whitcombe handler said.

In the meantime, Elsworth will be aiming Muse at the Goodwood Stakes next month, after he outgalloped Misbelief to pass the post a neck in front.

'I had considered running him in Saturday's Northumberland Plate at Newcastle, but as there were only four runners today we decided to come here as it's a bit closer to home]' Elsworth added.