Supreme hero Summerville Boy sidelined by leg fracture

Last season's Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner Summerville Boy faces a spell on the sidelines after a hairline fracture was found in his off-hind leg.

Disappointing performances in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle and the International Hurdle at Cheltenham on his two starts this season prompted trainer Tom George to send Roger Brookhouse's dual Grade 1 winner for tests, and the results showed an injury to his femur.

George said on Monday: "Following a couple of below-par runs this winter it was decided that the horse should be checked over at the Newmarket equine hospital.

"It emerged he had sustained a hairline fracture. It's a bit of a mystery how he picked it up but fortunately it seems the healing process is well under way."

Watch Summerville Boy win the Supreme Novices' Hurdle

George will send Summerville Boy for further tests before offering a view on when the Supreme winner can return to action.

The trainer added: "It's a testament to the horse's toughness as he has not taken a lame step in life, but he has not been anywhere near his best in two runs at Newcastle and Cheltenham.

"It is too early to say too much else. We will know a lot more when he has undergone more scans and x-rays in a month to six weeks' time."

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