Thursday 9 April 2015 18:00, UK
The fine weather may be perfect for the Aintree racegoers but it has conspired to rob the racecourse of one of its potential star attractions on Saturday with Un De Sceaux ruled out.
Willie Mullins' exciting Arkle winner was due to run in the Doom Bar Maghull Novices' Chase but with the sun shining in Liverpool on good to soft ground, connections have decided to give the meeting a miss.
Instead, he will now head straight to the Punchestown Festival.
Writing on his website, www.wpmullins.com, the trainer said: "With the weather the way it is and the ground continuing to dry out, we have decided not to run Un De Sceaux in the Grade One Doom Bar Maghull Novices' Chase on Saturday.
"We will be looking at Punchestown for him now."
