Kalashnikov's season could be over after bleeding at Newbury

Kalashnikov, triumphant in the 2018 Betfair Hurdle, had a far less enjoyable experience on his return to Newbury's Super Saturday stage after Amy Murphy's stable star finished last on what could prove to be his final run of the season.

Murphy reported the Grade 1 winner bled after coming home 23 lengths behind Altior in the Betfair-sponsored Game Spirit Chase.

Writing on Twitter, Murphy said: "Sadly, Kalashnikov bled today from both nostrils. Such a shame for him and all of my team who put so much into getting him back. He will now obviously miss Cheltenham and possibly even the remainder of the season. Time will tell."

Kalashnikov ended his novice chase campaign with a top-flight triumph at Aintree but his four efforts this season have failed to yield a victory, his best effort coming when he was caught on the line in a £50,000 Newbury handicap in late November.

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