Blow for Ellison as Tonto and Balty out for season

Brian Ellison has been dealt a major blow heading into the closing stages of the Flat campaign, with both Top Notch Tonto and Balty Boys, two of his stable stars, ruled out for the remainder of the season.

The popular Top Notch Tonto, famous for his distinctive markings as well as his exploits on the racecourse, had shown signs of returning to form when a fine second in a competitive handicap at Galway last month.

However, having been lame afterwards, the six-year-old was found to have a hairline fracture of his near-fore cannon bone, an injury requiring at least six weeks of box rest.