Pipe reveals Red Sherlock blow

David Pipe has confirmed that Red Sherlock will miss the rest of the season as he is refusing to rush him back to full fitness.

The Pond House handler has been unable to get the five-year-old gelding back on the track since he suffered a first career defeat in the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival last March.

Pipe had plans to get Red Sherlock back for the second half of the season but having reviewed the situation he will keep him under wraps to ensure he is firing on all cylinders.

“Unfortunately when he arrived back from pre-training at Timmy Murphy's yard his scans were not satisfactory and after facing a race against time with him, we have decided to draw stumps for the season,” he told davidpipe.com.

“He is far too good a prospect to rush and so he will be given all the time he requires to return to 110 per cent.

“It is extremely disappointing for everyone at the yard and of course his owners, although I am sure he will be well worth waiting for.”