Marsh Wren to miss Christmas outing following setback

Marsh Wren will miss the busy Christmas period due to a bruised foot.

Stuart Edmunds’ stable star fared best of the UK runners in the Mares’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March when a respectable third behind Limerick Lace and Dinoblue.

She reappeared this year with a commanding display in a Listed event at Market Rasen, beating the smart Apple Away by 16 lengths.

Edmunds, who was rewarded for his foresight when taking her to Thurles last season to win, had mooted an event at Fairyhouse in the new year. However, plans are now on hold for the eight-year-old.

“She’s got a bit of problem with a foot so she’s at the vets at the minute is the honest truth,” said Edmunds.

“She had a bit of an issue before she won at Market Rasen and she’s got a deep seated bruise in her foot so she’s getting sorted as we speak.

“The vets can’t tell me how long it will rule her out for, so I can’t say at this stage, I’m afraid, but it will definitely rule her out of Christmas.”

But Edmunds will be represented in the Grade One Formby Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree on Boxing Day with Miami Magic.

The five-year-old has won his two starts over hurdles by an aggregate of 22 lengths, fully warranting a step up in class.

“The Formby is probably next for him,” said Edmunds.

“I think he falls into the camp that moving what was the Tolworth to Aintree from Sandown probably suits him, as all his form at the minute is on flat tracks.

“So that could well have helped us, but I get scared at the minute every time I see a decent two-miler run!

“I don’t think he’s an out-and-out two-miler, I think two-and-a-half could be well within his reach. He does look quite nice.”